How Have Detroit Lions Rookies Fared First Half of 2025 Season?

Through the first half of the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions’ rookie class has provided a mixed bag of results. 

Some first-year players have stepped into key roles and exceeded expectations, while others have struggled to find their footing or been sidelined by injuries. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how Detroit’s first-year pros have fared thus far this season.

DT Tyleik Williams

The Lions’ top draft pick has experienced the predictable growing pains that often accompany rookie defensive linemen. 

The Ohio State product has posted modest numbers, four total tackles and one quarterback hit, across 205 defensive snaps. 

Pro Football Focus has graded him the lowest among Detroit’s interior defenders (53.6 overall), reflecting his inconsistency against both the run and the pass. 

The return of veteran Alim McNeill has further limited his opportunities. After playing 35 snaps against Kansas City in Week 6, Williams saw just 21 in McNeill’s season debut versus Tampa Bay Monday night. 

Williams remains a work in progress, but his snap count could continue to decline in future weeks if he doesn’t show improved play.

OL Tate Ratledge

If there’s been a gem among Detroit’s rookies, it’s undoubtedly been offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. 

The Georgia product has emerged as a stabilizing force at right guard, starting all seven games and playing every offensive snap (438 total). 

Though he’s surrendered two sacks and 14 pressures, Ratledge’s poise and toughness have impressed both coaches and teammates.

Offensive line coach Hank Fraley recently praised Ratledge’s growth since his shaky debut at Lambeau Field, noting his ability to learn from early mistakes. 

“For guys like Tate and those young guys, the first start going to Lambeau, it’s special to go up there but the first game there’s always those jitters,” Fraley said. “We didn’t perform at our best.

“We had some mistakes up there, and I would say we’ve trended the other way in eliminating it and learning from it.”

Ratledge’s best performance so far came in the Lions’ Week 3 win over Baltimore, when he helped power Detroit’s balanced attack in a 38-30 victory. 

Ratledge looks the part of a long-term starter: steady, technically sound and unflappable under pressure.