Lions second-round pick edges out Tyleik Williams for breakout rookie candidate

In today's NFL, first-round picks tend to be the ones receiving the most hype from fans and analysts, but that is not the case for the Detroit Lions' 2025 draft class.

Tyleik Williams, the Lions' first-round pick, is going somewhat under the radar compared to other first-round picks and isn't getting some of the hype that other Lions draft picks have been getting.

In contrast, Tate Ratledge, the Lions' second-round draft pick, has been one of the most hyped up non-first-rounders this season. Ratledge continues to find himself on breakout rookie lists as a potential star early in his NFL career.

Ratledge is poised for a hot start to his career with the Lions

Ratledge, who happens to have a Lion tattoo on his right forearm, was drafted by the Lions after they traded up from pick No. 60 to No. 57 to select the Georgia guard.

Tyler Dragon of USA Today published an article on Friday listing some of the breakout rookie candidates for the 2025 season, and Ratledge found himself on the list. Ratledge's years of experience and winning at Georgia have greatly contributed to his hype thus far.

"Ratledge fits right into Detroit’s tough and physical O-line identity," said Dragon. "Ratledge allowed one sack and two pressures in 365 snaps during his final season at Georgia."

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While Ratledge seems to be getting most of the hype among the Lions' rookies, I believe it is very situational. The Lions' weakness at guard with Kevin Zeitler's departure and Graham Glasgow's rough 2024 season is leading to many analysts seeing an easy road to starting for Ratledge.

"The Lions lost veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Ratledge is slated to replace him," said Dragon in his short statement about the Lions rookie guard.

It is very easy to be considered as a potential breakout candidate when analysts know you are going to get the opportunities, where as a guy like Tyleik Williams may or may not get immediate opportunities.

Even with an injured Alim McNeill, the Lions still have the likes of DJ Reader and Levi Onwuzurike on the interior defensive line, making the opportunities for a guy like Williams slimmer than Ratledge. This may be a positive thing for Williams, as less pressure gives him time to progress as a player.

Although he is the last rookie to sign his contract with the Lions, I believe Tate Ratledge will have the most productive season of all Lions rookies. While it may be somewhat circumstantial, the opportunity he will have, coupled with his vast experience, should make him an instant stud.

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