NFL Trade Rumors
Lions RG Tate Ratledge feels he has a lot to improve on following his rookie season and noted that he is willing to move to center if needed. There is also the issue that Ratledge, at 6’6, struggles with his pad level, given his height for a guard.
“Definitely better than where it started, but obviously, a lot of things to improve on,” he said, via the team’s website. “I don’t think I played to this offensive line’s standard and this team’s standard. So, definitely a lot of things I can improve on. It’s pretty disappointing because I hold myself to a high standard. It’s a building block and something I have a baseline to build on. The one thing that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later is pad level. I’m already a tall guard as it is, and improving pad level is one of my bigger things.”
“Whatever the team needs,” Ratledge added. “I’m obviously more comfortable at right guard, but whatever they need from me. Seeing how this offensive line has played over the last few years and not performing as a unit like we wanted to or hoped to, definitely lights a fire under you. We need to get going.”
Lions HC Dan Campbell noted that change on the line is certainly a possibility, especially if LT **Taylor Decker **opts to retire.
“We’re going to bring in some guys to compete. That’s the thing. We need competition in a lot of areas because that brings out the best in players, whether it’s with some of the guys that were here or the guys that we bring in,” Campbell said. “That’s how you elevate the roster.”
