Georgia has been a powerhouse in recent seasons, and a big reason for that is the Bulldogs’ dominance on the line of scrimmage. Guard Tate Ratledge has been a three-year starter for Georgia and one of the best blockers up front in recent years.
Tate Ratledge Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 308 pounds
- Position: Guard
- School: Georgia
- Current year: Redshirt Senior
Ratledge’s Scouting Report
Ratledge is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, but moved to Rome, Georgia, as a child. He attended Darlington High School as a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track. A highly regarded recruit, Ratledge was a high four-star prospect and ranked among the top five players in Georgia.
Even with offers from top programs nationwide, Ratledge chose to stay home and play for Georgia. He redshirted as a true freshman before earning a starting role as a sophomore. However, he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc fracture in the first game and missed the rest of the year. Ratledge bounced back from the injury, though, and started at guard for the next three seasons.
After a successful college career — including multiple first-team All-SEC selections (junior and senior seasons) and All-American honors — Ratledge is ready for the NFL.
Strengths
- Strong at the point of attack and creates good movement in the run game
- Fluid pass protector who can slide laterally and stay in front of defenders
- Firm anchor to handle bull rushes in pass protection
- Physical tone-setter who plays with intensity
- Good mobility to reach the second level on pulls and screens
- High-effort player who works to sustain blocks
Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal length and sometimes lunges to land his punch, leaving him off balance
- Struggles with quick defenders on the edges and can be beaten off the snap
- Plays with a high pad level, allowing defenders to gain leverage and drive him back
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Ratledge is a three-year starter at right guard in Georgia’s downhill run scheme. He has good size, but his length and athleticism are just average. He has been a key piece of the Bulldogs’ offensive line and wins with strength, football IQ, and a tough playing style.
Ratledge has a mauler mentality as a run blocker, setting the tone against defenders. He fires off the ball, gets his hands inside, and drives forward to generate movement at the line of scrimmage.
Ratledge moves well in space and reacts quickly in short areas. On outside runs, screens, and second-level blocks, he shows good movement and control to connect with moving targets and open running lanes.
Ratledge has good grip strength to control defenders once engaged and plays with high effort, maintaining blocks throughout the play. However, he can be grabby at times, leading to penalties. His inconsistent pad level also makes it tough to win the leverage battle, allowing defenders to stand him up with a long-arm technique.
The Bulldogs lineman is a steady and strong blocker with a solid anchor in pass protection. Ratledge handles power rushers well and holds up against most bull rushes. He works best in close quarters, using his wide base to clog gaps and slow down interior defenders.
Ratledge gets into his pass set quickly and moves well laterally to stay engaged with rushers. However, explosive interior defenders can give him trouble by beating him to the edge. His lack of arm length makes it harder to land clean punches, which can throw off his balance when he lunges.
Overall, Ratledge is a plug-and-play right guard with the size, strength, and toughness to succeed in the NFL. His athletic and length limitations could cause issues against elite interior rushers, but he has a high floor and a well-rounded skill set. Expect him to come off the board late in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.