Lions player could be poised for a breakout amid offensive line changes

The Detroit Lions offense will look a lot different in 2026. Sure, they have some mainstays, such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. But, there's a new sheriff in town, and the Lions have a fresh offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing.

Now, Petzing comes from the Arizona Cardinals, who wrapped up a 3-14 season last year. So, maybe this is a case where it's not the offensive line that has something to prove, but instead the new offensive coordinator. Regardless, a lot is changing about the Lions offense in 2026, and one second-year player may be at the cusp of it.

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has a feature out about the second-year NFL players who are most likely to have a breakout season in 2026. In it, he says that he's highlighting second-year players who haven't "fully put it together yet but could become a major factor on each NFL roster."

Lions second-year player could be a standout in 2026

For the Lions, he picks guard Tate Ratledge. Gagnon also points out how the Lions offense is changing during the offseason.

"The Lions offensive line is undergoing significant changes again, so it's critical that the second-round pick becomes a consistently reliable figure inside," he says in the piece. "They'll also be looking for more from Tyleik Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, but none of it matters if the line can't put it together in 2026."

It's a make-or-break year for the Lions. The team has too much talent, both on offense and defense, to have a year at the bottom of the NFC North. Ratledge could be a difference-maker for the team if he gets the chance.