2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tate Ratledge

Ratledge participated in nearly all drills at the combine, except for the short shuttle. He performed better than I expected, finishing with a 9.96 Relative Athletic Score. This performance was not always evident on tape, which could be largely attributed to his ankle injury. 

Background

Tate Ratledge was a highly coveted recruit from Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. A consensus four-star prospect, Ratledge ranked as the No. 5 offensive tackle and the No. 63 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247Sports Composite. He chose Georgia over several powerhouse programs, including Alabama and Tennessee, to stay close to home and compete in the SEC.

Ratledge made an immediate impression with his size, power, and football IQ. After redshirting his first year, he earned a starting role as a sophomore and never looked back, becoming a staple on the right side of the Bulldogs’ offensive line. Over his collegiate career, Ratledge started 38 games at right guard and played nearly 2,100 career snaps.

Ratledge played a key role in Georgia’s national championship run in 2022 and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2023. His strong performance those seasons led to draft buzz, but he opted to return to Georgia for a fifth year to boost his stock further and solidify himself as one of the nation’s top interior linemen.

Unfortunately, his senior campaign was marred by an ankle injury that required tightrope surgery, sidelining him for a significant stretch. When he returned to the field, it was evident that the injury impacted his play, and his draft stock took a hit. Despite the step back, he still garnered Third Team All-American and 1st Team All-SEC honors. In a class crowded with talented interior linemen and tackle-to-guard converts, Ratledge has somewhat faded into the background.

Despite the adversity, he remains one of the draft's most experienced and battle-tested guards. Plus, it’s hard to ignore that he sports the best mullet in the 2025 draft class—a reflection of his no-nonsense, hard-nosed style of play.

Strengths: 

• Experience and Football IQ: Ratledge, a three-year starter in the SEC, has extensive experience, which is evident on film. He consistently diagnoses defensive schemes, quickly picking up stunts and twists, and has an innate ability to assist teammates by looking for extra work.
• Raw Power and Anchor Ability: When healthy, Ratledge’s ability to absorb contact and anchor against power rushers is impressive. He sinks his hips nicely and uses his frame to absorb bull rushes, even when his initial punch doesn’t land cleanly. His elite grip strength lets him latch onto defenders and maintain control throughout the rep. 
• Run-Blocking Prowess: Ratledge excelled in Georgia’s gap and man-blocking scheme, where his physicality and power were fully displayed. He consistently resets the line of scrimmage and shows excellent rotational strength, rolling his hips into contact to generate movement at the point of attack.
• Hand Usage and Recovery: Even when his hands don’t land perfectly on the initial strike, Ratledge has a knack for resetting and reestablishing his grip, preventing defenders from easily shedding him.
• Mean Streak: He plays with an edge and finishes blocks through the whistle, consistently looking to impose his will on defenders.
• Functional Athleticism: While his 9.96 RAS was a surprise, he is still an above-average athlete on tape.

Weaknesses:

• Lateral Mobility and Movement Skills: Ratledge can struggle when asked to block on the move or operate in space. His lateral quickness is limited, and he can look sluggish when pulling or trying to hit targets at the second level.
• Balance and Waist Bending: Ratledge tends to lunge and bend at the waist when blocking in space, making him vulnerable to push-pull moves and causing him to lose his balance.
• Recovery from Injury: The ankle injury that required tightrope surgery impacted his overall performance, and upon his return, he didn’t look as powerful or agile. Teams will need to monitor his medical reports closely to ensure he’s back to full strength.
• Pass Protection Technique: While powerful at the point of attack, his footwork in pass protection can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to overextension and allowing defenders to work inside.
• Age: Ratledge spent 5 years in college and will be 24 years old on draft day

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Tate Ratledge

Tate Ratledge is a classic power guard whose game is built on brute strength and tenacity. He’s at his best when operating in a gap or man-blocking scheme, where he can fire off the line and move defenders off their spots. His biggest concern is his mobility and ability to work in space, which could limit his effectiveness in a zone-heavy system. However, given Ratledge's performance at the NFL Combine, he showcased his athleticism for a variety of schemes. 

The Bears have been looking to bolster their offensive line and establish a consistent ground attack. Pairing Ratledge with Darnell Wright on the right side could create a physically imposing duo capable of wearing down opposing defenses. While Ratledge’s pass protection remains a work in progress, his ability to reset the line of scrimmage and create space in the run game could make him a valuable addition to the unit.

There’s no denying that the injury and inconsistency have pushed him down the draft board. Still, if he can return to pre-injury form, Ratledge has the potential to develop into a reliable starting guard. Taking a chance on him at pick 72 could pay off for the Bears, especially if they commit to a run-heavy philosophy.

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