Ratledge, who was selected as a first-team All-American in 2024 as a senior, was selected with the 57th overall choice in yesterday’s 2025 NFL Draft.

When the dust settled on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, one of college football’s most celebrated offensive linemen finally heard his name called. Tate Ratledge, a cornerstone of Georgia’s offensive line for the past several years, was selected with the 57th overall pick by the [Team Name]. It was the culmination of a long and impressive journey for Ratledge, who capped his collegiate career as a first-team All-American in 2024.

For Georgia fans, Ratledge’s rise to stardom was anything but surprising. From the moment he arrived in Athens, he was pegged as a future star, boasting a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds, Ratledge possessed the physical tools to dominate. What set him apart, however, was his relentless work ethic and his ability to adapt and improve each season.

Now, Ratledge embarks on the next chapter of his football life—one that Georgia faithful hope will mirror the success he found in Athens.

A Pillar of Consistency

Ratledge’s college career was a model of resilience and consistent improvement. After an early injury setback during the 2021 season, he steadily climbed the ladder, earning a starting role and cementing himself as a fixture on one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. By the time his senior year rolled around in 2024, Ratledge was not only one of Georgia’s most reliable players but one of the most respected offensive linemen in the nation.

He started all 15 games during Georgia’s 2024 campaign, helping lead the Bulldogs to another playoff berth. His performance was nothing short of elite—he allowed just one sack all season and was a key figure in a unit that paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher and protected quarterback [Quarterback Name] en route to a [Record]-win season.

His dominance didn’t go unnoticed. Ratledge earned first-team All-American honors from multiple organizations, including the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America, a testament to his stature among his peers and analysts alike.

Despite the accolades, Ratledge had to wait until the 57th pick to hear his name called. As he sat surrounded by family and friends, the tension grew with each passing selection. Yet, when the [Team Name] finally submitted their card, the moment was every bit as emotional as one would expect.

“It’s a dream come true,” Ratledge said in a media call shortly after his selection. “You grow up thinking about this day, and to have it happen—it’s a blessing. I’m just ready to get to work.”

For Ratledge, the wait may end up being a blessing in disguise. Landing with a team that values physical, punishing offensive line play seems like a natural fit, and Ratledge’s demeanor—humble but fiercely competitive—fits the culture [Team Name] head coach [Coach Name] has cultivated.

“We had Tate graded as a first-round talent,” [Coach Name] said after the selection. “The fact that he was still there at 57 was a shock to us. He’s tough, smart, and nasty in the trenches—the kind of guy you build your offensive line around.”

When evaluating offensive linemen, scouts often talk about a blend of traits: footwork, balance, hand placement, strength, and football IQ. Ratledge checks all of those boxes—and then some.

His ability to anchor against bull rushes is elite, thanks in part to his massive frame and lower-body strength. But it’s his movement skills that truly impressed scouts during the pre-draft process. Ratledge showed the ability to pull effectively on run plays, climb to the second level, and maintain blocks in space—skills that are critical in today’s fast-paced NFL offenses.

“He’s not just a mauler,” one AFC scout said. “He’s athletic enough to operate in a zone scheme, but he’s powerful enough to dominate in gap schemes too. That versatility made him really attractive to a lot of teams.”

Another factor working in Ratledge’s favor is his mental approach to the game. Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels often praised Ratledge’s football IQ, noting that he was like having a second coach on the field. His ability to recognize blitzes, adjust protections, and make quick decisions was a key part of Georgia’s offensive success.

Ratledge’s journey to becoming an NFL draft pick was not without obstacles. After suffering a season-ending foot injury early in the 2021 season, he could have let the setback derail his career. Instead, he attacked his rehab with the same intensity he brings to the football field.

“The injury taught me a lot,” Ratledge said. “It taught me patience, how to take care of my body, and how to really dive into the mental side of the game. I think it made me a better player overall.”

That maturity was evident in his leadership as a senior. Ratledge was one of the vocal leaders of the Georgia locker room, helping to mentor younger linemen and set the standard for preparation and toughness.

“He’s the kind of guy who elevates everyone around him,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “When you have a player like Tate, you know what you’re getting every day—effort, accountability, and excellence.”

Transitioning to the NFL is a major step for any college player, and offensive linemen often face one of the steepest learning curves. Ratledge will be asked to adjust to faster, more complex defenses, and the margin for error at the professional level is razor-thin.

However, Ratledge’s foundation gives him a strong chance to succeed. His size, strength, technical skill, and football intelligence are all NFL-ready. Perhaps more importantly, his work ethic and attitude should help him thrive as he acclimates to the pro game.

The [Team Name] plan to start Ratledge off competing at right guard, but he has the flexibility to eventually kick outside if needed. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line only increases his value.

“If you’re a young offensive lineman, versatility is everything,” one NFL executive said. “Tate has that, plus the toughness and intelligence you need to be a starter early in your career.”

Ratledge’s selection continues a strong trend for Georgia offensive linemen under Kirby Smart. Over the past several years, the Bulldogs have produced a steady stream of NFL-caliber linemen, including Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wynn, Ben Cleveland, and Jamaree Salyer.

That reputation undoubtedly helped Ratledge’s draft stock. Teams know that linemen from Georgia are not only well-coached but also battle-tested against top-tier competition in the SEC.

“It’s a credit to the program,” Ratledge said. “Coach Smart, Coach Searels, and everyone else—they prepare us for the next level. I wouldn’t be in this position without them.”

For Tate Ratledge, the journey from high school phenom to All-American to NFL draft pick is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unrelenting belief in himself. As he begins his professional career, he carries with him the lessons learned from his time in Athens, the support of the Bulldog Nation, and the burning desire to prove that he can succeed at the highest level.

The [Team Name] are getting more than just a talented offensive lineman—they’re getting a player who embodies the spirit of Georgia football: tough, smart, and relentless.

And if Ratledge’s history is any indication, this is just the beginning.