In a calculated move during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions strengthened their offensive line by trading up to select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge. Looking to add reliability and toughness to their front five, the Lions moved from the 60th to the 57th overall pick to secure the experienced lineman.
According to NFL Network, the Lions orchestrated the trade by sending their original second-round selection (No. 60) along with a fourth-round pick (No. 130). In return, they not only landed the 57th overall pick but also acquired a seventh-round selection (No. 230), adding more flexibility later in the draft.
Ratledge brings significant collegiate experience to Detroit. At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, he was a mainstay on the right side of Georgia’s offensive line over the past three seasons. Known for his physicality and consistency, Ratledge helped anchor an offensive unit that played a key role in Georgia’s recent success. His familiarity with high-pressure matchups in the SEC should make his transition to the NFL smoother than most.
Detroit’s need for reinforcements on the offensive interior became more pressing after veteran guard Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency, signing with the Tennessee Titans. The Lions had penciled in Graham Glasgow and second-year player Christian Mahogany as projected starters heading into the draft. Glasgow, a seasoned veteran at 32, shifted from right to left guard last season to accommodate Zeitler but struggled to maintain consistency. Mahogany, a sixth-round selection in the 2024 draft, showed flashes of promise with two strong starts late in the year.
Ratledge is expected to compete for a starting spot in training camp and could quickly become a core piece of the Lions’ offensive front, particularly as they continue building a line capable of both protecting quarterback Jared Goff and supporting their strong run game.
The Lions also addressed their defensive line on Day 1 of the draft by selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick. Williams is expected to add much-needed depth and pressure ability on the interior defensive line.
As the draft continues, Detroit still holds five remaining selections: No. 100 in the third round, No. 196 in the sixth round, and a trio of picks in the seventh round. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell will likely continue targeting key positions of need, including edge rusher, wide receiver, tight end, and further offensive line depth.
The Lions appear focused on building from the trenches outward—a strategy that’s been central to their recent rise in the NFC.
