One of the biggest questions the Detroit Lions face this season is changes to the offensive line. Tate Ratledge is set to play a huge role up front. While big things are expected, it was unclear how fast the rookie could adjust to the league.
Not to worry, though. Jared Goff has been working with Ratledge during the first days of camp, and has been very impressed with what the young lineman has been able to do already.
Speaking with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Goff was asked about the progress of Ratledge, who's been taking early reps at center to replace veteran Frank Ragnow. Thus far, according to Goff, Ratledge doesn't look out of place at all. In fact, he even tracks with some of Detroit's better rookies in recent years.
"I think he's done a great job up to this point of handling it and handling it maturely. I think that's the hard part as these rookies come in is knowing the moment and knowing alright, this is big boy stuff here and a lot of people's livelihoods are depending on you. I think he's shown it's not too big for him. (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, (Sam) LaPorta, (Aidan) Hutchinson, those guys come to mind when I think of that. When they showed up and it was like 'This is just what I do.' So, first of all, he's done that really well."
The Lions have done a fantastic job working their rookies in quickly during the past, and they have shown their rapid NFL readiness in most cases. The fact that Ratledge is apparently continuing this tradition is big news for Detroit given how much they need him to step up this season.
Jared Goff looks forward to developing chemistry with Tate Ratledge
Though Ratledge has shown up well, it's clear he isn't a finished product. Things will come up he hasn't seen and adversity will test him. Goff will be there for Ratledge in those scenarios, and will continue to give him all the tools he knows in the meantime in order to learn the ropes.
"The way I can help him is try to take a little bit off his plate. Certainly in the pass game, I can do a lot for him there and try to get the protections right for him. Give him little tips and tricks here and there that I've learned and something that can help us communicate in a certain way. There's a million things. I think he's done a good job picking it up so far. It's fun to work with a young guy and help him out."
All the practice reps will help Goff and Ratledge iron things out before the season. To hear that Ratledge is trending in a positive direction already so early is very revealing. That would mean the Lions would be able to settle the center position and shift their attention to making sure their guards are up to speed before 2025.
Right now, Goff sounds very impressed with Ratledge, which is great news given all the questions that have swirled about Detroit's offensive line.
