This critical new member of the Detroit Lions needs everyone in his corner starting now.
Detroit Lions fans love al their players equally, but naturally, they gravitate toward specific personalities on the roster as their overall favorite.
After any offseason, the Lions add plenty of new players worthy of attention. It will take some time for fans to warm up to the additions, but there are some early hints emerging as it relates to who is the player that fans should embrace early in 2025.
It can take a while for a rookie to gain a connection with a fanbase, but this year, one could be in a unique spot to make an immediate impact. NFL.com’s Tom Blair recently named every player that various NFC fanbases should root for, and Tate Ratledge was the answer in Detroit.
“Every rookie contributor makes me happy on some level. Who doesn’t love to see a pairing between prospect and team pan out immediately? This could be more than just another feel-good story, though; the second-round pick is in position to play an extremely important role for a Super Bowl contender, easing the impact of Frank Ragnow’s retirement, yet another curveball in an offseason that was already marked by changes at both coordinator spots.
“If he can secure the job as Ragnow’s replacement at center, Ratledge could help keep one of the most imposing offensive juggernauts in the league rolling, smoothing over a major potential wrinkle for new play-caller John Morton.”
Rookies always face high pressure, but Ratledge will be under immediate scrutiny if he starts given the Detroit offense is one of the best in the NFL. That fact should have fans flocking to stand by his side to start the season.
Lions coaches gained major experience to help Tate Ratledge in 2024
Ratledge will be perhaps the most important player worth watching in camp this year, and if he is able to take major leaps forward immediately, it will be due to what the franchise managed to deal with last season.
An injury crisis erupted across the roster, but the Lions survived thanks to the fact that their coaches adapted on the fly. According to David Corrao, a senior defensive assistant, the situation helped the staff sharpen their focus and learn how to better connect with players and their talents.
“I think it forced us to understand who we’re coaching, what we’re coaching, who we’re putting in what position to do what. Okay, we lose this guy. Well, the guy coming in behind him might be able to have a different set of skills. So let’s see what we can do to help him. It forces us to kind of be more flexible as coaches and be less rigid.”
That work, which was forced on the franchise in 2024, will help players like Ratledge this season. When the Lions had Ragnow’s retirement decision thrust upon then, they were not as underprepared as some teams may have been. From then on, they have simply focused on how to help Ratledge prepare for the role.
Ratledge is ready to take the mantle from another beloved player in Ragnow and run. Given the intense pressure he will be under as a rookie, fans should rally behind him and see if he can become a star in short order.
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