Tate Ratledge Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Jason Getz)
School: Georgia
Class: Redshirt Senior
Position: IOL
HT: 6’6
WT: 310 lbs
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Background: Tate Ratledge was one of the best offensive linemen in the class of 2020. He was a 4-star offensive tackle and a consensus top 100 player. Ratledge is from Rome, Georgia and played football for Darlington School. He was first team all-area for 3 straight seasons in high school. Tate was also Second Team All-Georgia as a junior, before being named first team as a senior. He led Darlington to the state playoffs in two straight seasons. Tate Ratledge was selected to participate in the 2020 All-American Bowl. Tate chose to stay home and committed to Georgia over the likes of just about every other SEC school.
College: His first two seasons in Athens were a bit underwhelming. He spent the minimal time he had on the field at right guard before being injured as a sophomore. By his junior season in 2022, he started 14 games at right guard, becoming a key contributor to one of the most dominant offensive lines in football. After missing most of 2023 due to a gruesome injury, Ratledge came back in 2024 and was a brick wall on the interior of the line. Ratledge was a First Team All-SEC selection in 2024. Violent run blocker. Gets into the open space quickly. Athletic and quick for his frame.
Strengths: Tate Ratledge is a mover on the interior of the offensive line. He gets out in space after finishing his initial assignment to take care of the second level. He is a strong player who combines that strength with athleticism as a run blocker to create rushing lanes and move on to second assignments down the field. Ratledge plays at an optimal pad level to gain leverage with a firm anchor and strong grip in the phone booth. Ratledge absorbs contact well, combatting strong interior linemen with strength of his own. Ratledge displays consistent hand placement, making it near impossible for opponents to deconstruct blocks. He finishes through the whistle and doesn’t let up until his opponent is in the dirt. Along with his killer instinct, Ratledge is an incredibly smart player who can diagnose defensive packages at the line. He handles disguised blitzes, stunts, and twists with no hesitation. Throughout his Georgia career, Ratledge has played both guard spots at a high level, proving he can be versatile in the NFL.
Weaknesses: Ratledge can be over aggressive in certain pass protection sets. He lunges out at the defender too early, causing him to lose balance and move off his foundation. If he does not land the initial punch, he struggles with counter moves in pass protection. His injuries are also a huge concern. Every year at Georgia saw Ratledge deal with at least one injury.
Conclusion: Tate Ratledge can be a reliable interior offensive lineman at the next level. He comes into the NFL with plenty of experience at both guard spots. He will be an anchor in the run game and while his pass protection needs work, he can brush up his technique to become elite.
Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Right Guard
Best Team Fits: CHI, LVR, NE
Player Comparison: Ryan Kelly
Player Grade: Round 2 (89.6)
