The Detroit Lions have been going through it with their offensive line this season, but one area has remained a constant thanks to a rookie.
Tate Ratledge, the Lions' second round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been the starting right guard for the Lions since Week 1. The long-term plan for the lineman is to have him train to become a center for Detroit, but for right now, he's anchoring that right side of the line alongside Penei Sewell and Graham Glasgow.
Ratledge didn't have much to work against in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, as they entered the contest fairly injured on their defensive line. But, he still left the game with one accolade that left him atop rookie lineman in the NFL in Week 10.
The SECOND straight week that Tate Ratledge has NOT ALLOWED a single pressure 👀
(📸: @The33rdTeamFB) pic.twitter.com/Ru7uC4XLP2
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) November 12, 2025
Lions' draft gem signed in Week 10 vs. Commanders
This is an excellent rookie list to be atop, especially with how well players like Kelvin Banks Jr. and Jared Wilson have done for their respective teams. Wilson, especially, has been a solid pass protector in his first season, grading out at 54.2 in that category on the season.
Ratledge has soared as a run blocker this season, helping to bolster an offense led by Jahymr Gibbs' speed and ability to punish teams for open lanes.
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As a pass protector, he's still learning the ropes, and it's also been difficult adjusting to so many rotating pieces on the line this season so far. He's lost Christian Mahogany at left guard until at least late December, and the team has been testing the waters with Kayode Awosika and Trystan Colon as of late.
Jared Goff works best with a clean pocket, which was evidenced by the Lions' 44-point masterclass against the Commanders in this contest. Ratledge's success directly correlates with Detroit's ability to keep up with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks come playoff time.
Ratledge is the least of the Lions' concerns on their O-line, which is undergoing a lot of change thanks to Frank Ragnow's retirement and Kevin Zeitler's departure for the Tennessee Titans.
The Lions currently rank 27th overall in pass block win rate in the NFL per ESPN stats. However, the team has clearly done a better job than what's measured by this metric, considering their offense remains one of the best in the league behind Goff and Gibbs.