Former Georgia Star Tate Ratledge Gets Early Look at Center During Rookie Minicamp, Offers Versatility NFL Teams Covet on Offensive Line

When Tate Ratledge stepped onto the field for rookie minicamp, it wasn’t in the position most fans expected him to play. The former Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman, known for anchoring the right guard spot during his time in Athens, found himself snapping the ball — a new role that could define the early stages of his NFL career. Coaches across the league value versatility, and Ratledge is already making his case as one of the most flexible and adaptable linemen from the 2025 draft class.

Though Ratledge was primarily a guard at Georgia, his transition to getting early reps at center during his NFL rookie minicamp is more than just a depth experiment. It’s a sign that the coaching staff sees long-term potential in his ability to become a multi-position asset. Center is one of the most cerebral and technically demanding spots on the offensive line, and giving Ratledge an early look there indicates both trust and foresight. For a player who made 42 starts at right guard in the Southeastern Conference, taking snaps at the heart of the line is a challenge he’s embracing head-on.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman wasn’t just a physical force at Georgia — he was a leader. Ratledge’s presence was a key factor in the Bulldogs winning two national championships during his time with the program. Known for his toughness and football IQ, he earned All-SEC honors and was a consistent tone-setter in the trenches. That consistency, combined with his strength and footwork, made him a valued draft target. But few anticipated that one of his first NFL responsibilities would be initiating plays from the center position.

Still, it’s not a complete surprise to those familiar with how NFL teams view interior linemen. Positional versatility has become a requirement rather than a bonus, especially for rookies fighting for depth chart spots or eventual starting jobs. Injuries and in-game adjustments require backups — and even starters — to slide between guard and center without missing a beat. Ratledge’s early exposure to the center position allows his new team to gauge how quickly he can adapt to responsibilities like calling protections and handling snaps under center and in shotgun formations.

“I just want to be whatever the team needs me to be,” Ratledge said after the first minicamp session. “If that’s at guard, that’s great. If it’s at center, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and learn everything I can.”

It’s a mindset that aligns with how most linemen have to approach the league. Even if a player dominated one position in college, the NFL often asks for more. Coaches are looking for plug-and-play capability across the offensive interior, especially if the starting center is a veteran nearing the end of his career or if injuries force lineup shuffles. Ratledge’s willingness to take on a new position without hesitation speaks volumes about his attitude and preparation.

His transition isn’t without hurdles. Snapping is a skill that takes time to master, especially in live drills and game-speed situations. Center also requires chemistry with the quarterback, trust with the offensive tackles on blitz pickups, and the ability to read defenses pre-snap. It’s no longer just about winning one-on-one matchups — it’s about orchestrating the blocking scheme for the entire line. Ratledge’s coaches have reportedly been impressed by his attention to detail and eagerness to take mental reps even when he’s not on the field.

“He’s smart, tough, and physical — all the traits you want in a center,” said one offensive line coach. “We like what we’ve seen early, and we’re going to keep giving him those looks.”

That feedback is encouraging, but Ratledge understands the road ahead won’t be easy. Competing with veteran centers or more experienced backups will require both mental and physical refinement. He’ll need to become second nature with hand placement, pad level, and snap accuracy. The fact that he’s starting this process now — rather than halfway through training camp — could give him a leg up when roster decisions are made.

At Georgia, Ratledge showed flashes of being NFL-ready long before his eligibility ran out. His pass-blocking technique improved dramatically during his junior and senior seasons, and he routinely stood out in big games against top-tier defensive fronts. That experience may not directly translate to snapping footballs, but it reinforces the foundation of trust that his coaches had when assigning him the center role at the rookie level.

If Ratledge continues on this path, he could become one of the more valuable depth pieces — or even a starting candidate — within his team’s offensive line unit by the start of the regular season. His experience against some of college football’s most aggressive interior defenders should help him quickly acclimate to the power and speed of the pro level. Moreover, his work ethic has already been praised by those watching his adjustment process unfold.

“I’ve always believed the more you can do, the better your chances,” Ratledge added. “I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready for that.”

It’s also worth noting that Georgia’s pro-style offense gave him more preparation for this shift than most guards entering the league. Kirby Smart’s program emphasizes communication and technique up front, meaning Ratledge already has some exposure to line calls and blitz identification responsibilities. That experience won’t replace real NFL reps, but it does mean Ratledge starts a step ahead of the average rookie interior lineman.

His draft-day slide into the later rounds was viewed by many analysts as a value pick. The early minicamp looks at center might confirm that theory. NFL insiders have long said Ratledge could outperform his draft slot, especially if he proved capable of playing multiple positions on the offensive line. Now, it appears that vision is beginning to come to life.

Long-term, whether Ratledge sticks at center or moves back to guard will likely depend on team needs, injury situations, and how quickly he develops in this new role. But what’s clear is that he’s now squarely on the radar as a player who can potentially fill in at multiple positions without missing a beat. That kind of flexibility is gold in the NFL, especially for teams looking to solidify their offensive trenches.

If the early returns from rookie minicamp are any indication, Ratledge is more than just a plug-in player — he’s a potential building block. His technical foundation, combined with the mental acuity required for the center position, could open the door to a lengthy professional career. Few linemen walk into the NFL ready to contribute in more than one role. Ratledge is proving that he might be one of them.

While the spotlight during rookie minicamp often shines brightest on quarterbacks, wide receivers, or flashy defensive backs, the work done in the trenches is just as important to a team’s success. Ratledge, even in his first few practices, has shown that he’s willing to embrace that unheralded work with enthusiasm. He might not get the highlight-reel plays or the media attention, but if he becomes a reliable interior lineman who can line up at either guard or center, he’ll have carved out a niche that will keep him on rosters for years to come.

For now, Ratledge’s journey is just beginning. But the foundation is already there: the championship pedigree, the mental sharpness, and now, the added value of snapping the football. He’s taking the next step not just as a guard making the leap to the pros — but as a versatile lineman capable of becoming whatever his team needs.

That willingness to learn and adapt could end up being the defining trait of his rookie year, and perhaps, the key to a long NFL career.