
Lions complete draft class, make signing of second-round guard Tate Ratledge official….
The Detroit Lions have now signed all seven of their drafted rookies to contracts.

On Friday, the team officially announced the deal for second-round pick Tate Ratledge. Ratledge, an offensive guard who started 37 games during his five years at Georgia, was selected 57th overall in April’s draft. The delay in finalizing Ratledge’s contract—while the other six rookies had been signed weeks ago—was likely due to a broader issue across the league involving second-round picks. The Houston Texans set a precedent by offering their second-round pick, receiver Jayden Higgins (34th overall), a fully guaranteed contract, something usually reserved for first-round selections. The Cleveland Browns followed with a similar deal for linebacker Carson Schwesinger, picked 33rd overall. This led to a standoff, as other second-round picks sought similar guarantees, while teams resisted setting such a precedent. Eventually, a deal was reached late Wednesday between the San Francisco 49ers and defensive lineman Alfred Collins, guaranteeing 88% of his contract, according to ESPN, which helped break the deadlock. There had been concerns that Ratledge might miss some of training camp—rookies reported on Wednesday, and veterans are expected to arrive in Allen Park on Saturday—but those worries have now been resolved. Other rookies who have signed with Detroit since the draft include first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (Ohio State), third-round wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas), fifth-round offensive lineman Miles Frazier (LSU), sixth-round defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), and seventh-round picks safety Dan Jackson and receiver Dominic Lovett (both from Georgia).
Ratledge is expected to compete for a starting position, either at guard or as a replacement for the retired Frank Ragnow at center. He is likely to start alongside second-year player Christian Mahogany and veteran Graham Glasgow on the interior of the Lions’ offensive line. Glasgow, who is 33, started at left guard last season, and Mahogany showed promise in limited playing time.
General manager Brad Holmes praised Ratledge on April 25, saying, “He plays the game the right way. He’s tough, physical, more athletic than you might expect, and more versatile than people realize.”
Want me to tighten it up or keep more detail?
Leave a Reply