Pride of Detroit
While some rookies may get more time to watch and learn from the sidelines, others are expected to contribute from Day 1.
Expectations are certainly high for offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. The 57th overall pick from Georgia has a big job ahead of him filling the once top-rated Detroit Lions offensive line.
“Winning up front is a big part of their identity, but for the first time in a while, Detroit is facing some serious questions in the blocking department, specifically on the interior,” writes NFL.com’s Dan Parr.
By that, of course, he means former center Frank Ragnow’s retirement and former right guard Kevin Zeitler’s free-agent departure. The analyst selected the most pivotal rookie for each NFL team, deciding which first-year’s play may have the biggest hand in their team’s fate. Parr says quite a bit hinges on the Ratledge’s success, in the absence of key veteran linemen.
“Jared Goff is not the same guy when forced to make plays off-schedule, and the Lions are not going to be contenders without a respectable running game,” Parr writes. “Fundamental to both facets is a relatively seamless transition for Ratledge, whose gritty playing style seems the perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s crew.”
Do you agree Ratledge is the Lions rookie with the most potential to impact the season?
And onto the rest of your notes.
This video of Jahmyr Gibbs watching reliving his college days and watching film with running backs coach Tashard Choice is just great.
Don’t forget to wish your favorite cats in the Motor City a Happy International Cat Day.
Terrion Arnold is feeling the love from the training camp crowds—and you can see why, when these fans traveled all the way from Ireland!
HBD!
