Lions’ Coach Hank Fraley Identifies Tate Ratledge as Top Candidate to Replace Retired Frank Ragnow
The Detroit Lions are facing a significant transition on their offensive line following the retirement of veteran center Frank Ragnow. After years of battling through injuries and earning four Pro Bowl nods, Ragnow made the decision to step away from the game, citing that his body could no longer withstand the physical demands.
With a major void left at center, attention has quickly shifted to identifying Ragnow’s successor. On Monday, Lions beat reporter Nolan Bianchi shared insights from offensive line coach Hank Fraley regarding the team’s current plan. Fraley pointed to rookie lineman Tate Ratledge as the player being groomed for the role.
Ratledge, a second-round pick out of Georgia and a key member of Kirby Smart’s offensive front, is expected to transition into the center position. Although he primarily played guard in college, the Lions are optimistic about his ability to adapt.
“It’s going to start coming naturally to him,” Fraley said, reflecting on Ratledge’s performance during rookie minicamp. “He showed some good things early on… With time, I think he’ll develop into a solid center.”
According to Bianchi, Ratledge still has some developing to do, but the coaching staff seems confident in his long-term potential at the position.
