Detroit Lions trade up Twice to draft guard Tate Ratledge in 2nd, receiver Isaac TeSlaa in 3rd

With the 60th overall pick in Round 2, Detroit selected Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, a powerful offensive lineman who brings size and experience to the trenches. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Ratledge was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and earned All-American recognition. Though he lacks elite athleticism, scouts highlight his strength, technique, and ability to play multiple interior positions. Lions GM Brad Holmes praised Ratledge’s adaptability and said the team’s confidence in him grew throughout the scouting process.

To acquire Ratledge, the Lions dealt the 57th and 230th picks to the Denver Broncos in exchange for picks 60 and 130, allowing them to move down slightly while gaining an additional selection.

In the third round, Detroit made another aggressive move to grab Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa at pick 70. A Michigan native who previously played at Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas, TeSlaa stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 214 pounds. Last season, he recorded 28 receptions for 545 yards, averaging 19.5 yards per catch with three touchdowns in just five starts.

The Lions completed the second trade by sending the 102nd overall pick along with two 2026 third-round selections to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In return, Detroit received the 70th pick, a 2025 sixth-rounder (No. 182), and Jacksonville’s sixth-rounder in 2026.

NFL.com had projected TeSlaa as a Day 3 selection, but the Lions saw more. Holmes noted TeSlaa’s intelligence, physicality, special teams contributions, and ability to catch with strong hands. During his pre-draft visit, TeSlaa wore a Lions jersey, which Holmes initially thought was a gimmick—until he learned TeSlaa had owned it since eighth grade and had long been a die-hard fan of the team.

The Lions had already selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round and continued to bolster both lines of scrimmage and add offensive weapons on Day 2.

Elsewhere in the draft, the University of Michigan saw a strong showing, with four standout players selected in the first round: defensive tackle Mason Graham went to the Browns at No. 5, tight end Colston Loveland to the Bears at No. 10, and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant to the Dolphins at No. 13. Cornerback Will Johnson was picked by the Cardinals but saw his draft stock dip due to medical concerns. Michigan’s defensive end Josaiah Stewart was chosen by the Rams in Round 3.

WATCH: Dan Miller interviews Tyleik Williams and Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for exclusive insights on Detroit’s top pick.