When it comes to the interior of your offensive line, as an NFL team, you’d want these guys to be your blue collar, bring the lunchpail to the job site type of players. They’re not afraid to mix it up and get down and dirty in the trenches.
That’s why Tate Ratledge is sitting pretty as my top interior offensive line prospect, as you see a player who is willing to do everything and anything to win. This dates back to his time at Darlington High School, where he played offensive tackle, defensive end, and even punter, as well as starred in track and field, on his way to being named a 4 star recruit and committing to the University of Georgia.
It took Ratledge some time to see the field at UGA, seeing action in two games in his first two years. However, in 2022, that’s when he began his ascent, appearing in 15 games, and starting 14 of those at the right guard spot. 2023 saw him appear in 14 games, with 13 of them as a starter.
His excellent offensive line play in 2023 netted him AP Second Team All American Honors and First Team All SEC Honors as well. His work along the offensive line showed, as Georgia ranked 7th in the nation in sacks allowed (0.93 per game). Ratledge has been a major part of this consistency of protection, allowing only 1 sack and committing 3 penalties in over 1,500 snaps.
Player Info
Name: Tate Ratledge
Jersey: No. 69
Position: Guard
School: Unviersity of Georgia
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 320 lbs.
Tate Ratledge’s Strengths
Tate’s powerful upper body comes across very easy on screen, especially in the run game. He moves people easily at the point of attack. He is a tenacious finisher, who plays hard until the final whistle and finishes every block with a nasty streak.
He also has mobility to be able to get to the next level quickly and make effective blocks when the offense dictates it, especially in scenarios where he may be asked to be the pulling guard. His high football IQ also shines on tape; he picks up stunts and blitzes by the defense quickly and accurately, especially in pass protection scenarios. He also has the versatility to play either left or right guard, depending on a team’s needs because of this high IQ.
Tate Ratledge’s Weaknesses
Tate does need to work on his overall balance and body control when overextending, as he often sees unnecessary struggles in both when overextending. His lateral agility will be tested early and often by the faster pass rushers, meaning a spot at guard is where he should spend his career at the next level.
He’ll also need to work on using his hands more to keep long armed pass rushers at bay, especially if he wants to maintain his level of excellence in pass protection.
Draft Projection
In a class that’s down on top tier offensive linemen, Tate Ratledge stands as my top interior offensive linemen prospect, and only one of two offensive linemen to get a first round grade from me (Will Campbell from LSU being the other.) I have Tate as a top 20 prospect, who’s fit would be best in a power run scheme, while he develops his pass protection skills to adapt to the next level. Some good fits for Tate:
- Detroit Lions (this fit is too good to be true, with the Lions having a need to get younger at Guard, as well as Tate’s personality would fit right in with Dan Campbell and the folks in Detroit.)
- Tennessee Titans (With a serious need at right guard, and an offense that would like to have more success running the ball, Tate would slide right into a starting role in Tennessee.)
- Chicago Bears (This is my sneaky fit for Tate, as the Bears would love to improve along the interior of their offensive line, as well as open up some serious holes for Swift moving forward.)
Any team selecting Tate should be excited about getting a day one starter along the interior, who will be able to improve the run game as a whole. He also will have no problems endearing himself to the fan base that supports him, and will become a fan favorite for years to come.
