Lions' second-round pick praised as rookie who could make humongous impact

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes paid off his promise to "keep the whole garden watered" when it comes to maintaining the offensive line by drafting guard Tate Ratledge in the second round and circling back to take the versatile Miles Frazier in the fifth round.

Based on his playing style and physical appearance, Ratledge screams "Dan Campbell guy." But he's also very good, giving up just two sacks and six quarterback hits over his three season as a starter at Georgia. As a right guard by trade (all but four of his snaps in college at the position), he also has a particular path to start immediately as the Lions sort out their guard situation during OTAs and training camp. Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and possibly Frazier, are also in the mix there.

As Holmes promised going in, and as observed by reporters on-site during the first day, Ratledge got a lot of work at center during rookie minicamp. It's not a foreign spot to him, as he also cross-trained there at Georgia. The Lions are taking the opportunity during OTAs to survey their future options at center, and Ratledge's versatility was noted by assistant general manager Ray Agnew before rookie minicamp.

"You love the versatility of the player", Agnew said. "He can play multiple positions inside and the interior."

Still, Ratledge's ultimate long-term starting spot in the NFL feels like it will be guard, and right guard specifically.

Tate Ratledge lauded as potential impact rookie by ESPN analyst

ESPN's Field Yates has ranked the rookie season impact for non-Round 1 draft picks on offense and defense. On the offensive side, Ratledge came in at No. 8 in Yates' 1-10 ranking.

"Lions GM Brad Holmes has made it a point to target reliable and extremely tough players in the draft. That describes Ratledge well. He allowed only one sack in each of the past two seasons at Georgia and exudes toughness on tape. Kevin Zeitler's departure to Tennessee opens a starting guard job in Detroit, and I like Ratledge's chances to fill that role."

With Kevin Zeitler gone after holding down right guard very well last season, and Glasgow coming off a down year at left guard, the Lions are lined up to have open competitions to fill the guard spots on each side of center Frank Ragnow. The best men will win, and Ratledge has a clear path to assert himself as an immediate stalwart on one of the best offensive lines in the league.