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Tate Ratledge Building a Strong Case as One of the NFL's Top Guards
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- Tate Ratledge Building a Strong Case as One of the NFL's Top Guards
The Detroit Lions ' offense is off to a flying start in 2026 , as the unit has scored 31 points in each of the first three games, and the performance of starting right guard Tate Ratledge is a major reason for their success.
Ratledge, the Lions' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, started all 17 games during his rookie campaign and was solid. The Georgia product allowed two sacks and 24 quarterback pressures while posting a 70.3 Pro Football Focus grade .
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Entering 2026, Ratledge was expected to take his game to the next level and solidify himself as a core piece of the future in Detroit. He's done just that this season.
Ratledge is One of the Best Guards in the NFL
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69), left, warms up with defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) ahead of the game between Detroit Lions and New York Jets at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
Though it's only been three weeks, Ratledge looks even better in Year 2 and is earning his place as one of the premier guards in the sport. The 25-year-old has allowed zero sacks and one quarterback pressure so far this year, and tallied an 88.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in the Lions' latest win against the New York Jets .
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Ratledge has also been a solid contributor in the run game and disciplined, notching a 71.3 run-blocking grade and committing just one penalty. The 6-foot-6 guard is playing at an elite level and helping stabilize an offensive line that is looking much improved when healthy compared to 2025.
With Detroit having a rookie starting at right tackle in Blake Miller, it was critical that Ratledge set the standard on the right side and even help Miller as he transitions to the NFL . Ratledge has met those expectations and continues to show why the Lions invested a Day 2 pick in him.
Detroit will travel to Bank of America Stadium to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. The game will mark Ratledge's 21st start with Detroit, and it definitely won't be his last, as he is making a case to be a pivotal part of the franchise for years to come.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
