ALLEN PARK — There was a feeling the Detroit Lions would make a trade at some point during the draft. Turns out Day 2 was the day, as the Lions moved up to No. 57 overall to select Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge.
The Lions traded picks No. 60 and No. 130 to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the 57th pick, along with No. 230.
Adding a guard like Ratledge — a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection and a First-Team All-American last season — helps shore up their depth at the position, filling a void left by Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler, who bolted after one season in Detroit to sign a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Before Ratledge came off the board, there was a flurry of activity within the previous five picks. The Titans selected UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo at No. 52. The Buccaneers grabbed Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison at No. 53.
Division rival Green Bay took NC State offensive lineman Dylan McMahon at No. 54. The Chargers selected Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris at No. 55. Then another division rival, the Chicago Bears — now coached by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — picked Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo at No. 56.
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MLive mocked Ratledge as a possibility to land in Detroit on Day 2 of the draft, after he allowed just seven pressures and one sack in 300 snaps last season. Pro Football Focus gave him a solid 77.3 pass-blocking grade.
“(Ratledge) has been consistently one of the best interior pass protectors in the nation throughout his career while steadily improving in the run game,” Pro Football Focus writes. “While he isn’t the fleetest of foot, Ratledge’s solid technique gives him a chance to be a starter at the next level.”
With Ratledge in tow, the Lions now have three players competing at right guard, including Christian Mahogany and Netane Muti.
“What a player @tateratledge22 is. The @Lions are so lucky to have him! You provided a lot of energy and life to this program, and I can’t thank you enough for your leadership here. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you. GO DAWGS!!” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart posted shortly after the pick.”
The former Bulldog is regarded by multiple draft experts as a powerful lineman — incredibly physical and violent — who excels as a run blocker. Last year, Lions general manager Brad Holmes called Mahogany a “dirtbag,” meant as a term of endearment based on his rugged style of play. So it’s only appropriate the Lions added another player with the same temperament.
The 6-foot-6, 320 pound behemoth started 37 games during his time at Georgia and was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs capture two CFP national titles (2021, 2022). He also had an impressive showing at the NFL combine, posting an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.97 out of a possible 10.00. That ranked fifth out of 1,583 offensive guards from 1987 to 2025.
The Lions opened their draft this year by selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams on Thursday. After taking Ratledge, they still have one more pick left on Day 2, selecting again at No. 102 overall in the third round.
