I t is just the first weeks of OTAs, but Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell already is appreciating the progress that second-year guard Tate Ratledge is making. Campbell noted that the offseason work that Ratledge has done has shown up on the field so far.
“I like where Ratledge is going,” stated Campbell. “I feel like he’s a guy who has learned a lot, and has grown and taken some of those things, so that is good.”
The expectation was never for Ratledge to come in and hit the ground running as an All-Pro. However, he had the makeup and potential to be a long-term starter in the NFL, even if he is more of a quality starter than a high upside option.
Ratledge flashed enough at times to have fans think that he is a potential breakout, but had just as many questions that have some analysts wondering if he should be replaced. The biggest area of critique has been pass protection. Ratledge is coming from Georgia, where they ran a rushing attack that is similar to pro systems, but they lean on the run more than the pass. Ratledge came in much more NFL-ready as a run blocker, but he just needs more time to work on his craft.
The Detroit Lions Have Competition on the Offensive Line
GettyLions’ offensive lineman Tate Ratledge
Campbell noted that he liked where Ratledge is, but also was sure to include that the room is deeper and Ratledge is going to be pushed for his job this offseason. The Lions signed Ben Bartch in free agency and traded for Juice Scruggs.
Bartch was the San Francisco 49ers starting left guard in Week 1 last year. He got hurt, and injuries have been the story of his career, but he has starter potential. Then, the team got Scruggs as an essential throw-in during the David Montgomery trade. However, Scruggs has been in the NFL for three seasons and has found his way onto the field for all three of them.
Scruggs has 1,045 snaps at left guard, 568 snaps at center, and 216 snaps at right guard, showing that he can push starters across the board. With backup Miles Frazier entering his second season as well, the Lions depth on the interior offensive line looks better than ever. So, if Ratledge is not ready to take the step, the team will not hesitate to move on quickly.
Lions Offensive Line Looks Young and Promising
However, on paper, things look really good for the future of the Lions’ offensive line if you assume Ratledge is ready to take that step. The team has Penei Sewell at left tackle and drafted Blake Miller in round 1 to give them a pair of high-end starters at tackle.
Cade Mays was their free agent acquisition at center. He is 27 years old and is now the oldest member of the Lions offensive line, showing how young this group is. Christian Mahogany is entering his third year in the NFL and second as the starting left guard, so the majority of the line will be on their rookie contracts.
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