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It's NFL draft month. So between now and when the first round begins, we will be highlighting prospects who could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next up is Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, a potential Day 2 option for the Colts.
Height: 6-064
Weight: 308
Arm length: 32.250"
Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 9.96
Ratledge was a three-year starter at Georgia and played 2,070 total snaps during that span, almost all of which came at right guard.
In those three seasons as a starter, Ratledge allowed two total sacks in pass protection and never surrendered more than seven pressures in a season. He steadily ranked as one of the better guards by PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric.
In the run game, Ratledge steadily improved each season, according to PFF's grading system. This past season, among eligible guards, he ranked 33rd in run-blocking grade.
The Colts have some question marks on the offensive line with Will Fries in Minnesota. Perhaps the answer to one of those questions is simply sliding Matt Goncalves over from tackle to guard to fill that opening. However, the Colts shouldn't assume that either.
Goncalves was a tackle during his time at Pittsburgh and he was a tackle during his first NFL season with the Colts. When Indianapolis selected Goncalves in the 2024 draft, GM Chris Ballard mentioned that he believed Goncalves could play inside. But again, assuming that is a seamless transition comes with risk.
The prudent move would be to have a competition for those starting snaps. While the outside focus is on Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones at quarterback, if the offensive line play for the Colts isn't good, it doesn't much matter who the quarterback is.
For more on Ratledge, here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report:
"A three-year starting right guard with a relatively safe floor, Ratledge plays with a dirt-dog mentality. His pad level is too high, but he mauls his way into early advantages in the run game. He has strong hands and uses them effectively to control and sustain his block. He’s an average athlete with adequate foot quickness and technique to get the job done. Ratledge lacks length and will reach when punching, opening him to quick counters. He sees and handles twists with above-average success and has enough anchor and redirect power to protect his pocket. Ratledge’s mentality and toughness should help him become a solid starter fairly quickly."
Ratledge is the second-ranked guard in this year's draft on PFF's big board and the 93rd-ranked prospect overall.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge
Continue reading...
Next up is Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, a potential Day 2 option for the Colts.
Measureables
Height: 6-064
Weight: 308
Arm length: 32.250"
Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 9.96
Stats to know
Ratledge was a three-year starter at Georgia and played 2,070 total snaps during that span, almost all of which came at right guard.
In those three seasons as a starter, Ratledge allowed two total sacks in pass protection and never surrendered more than seven pressures in a season. He steadily ranked as one of the better guards by PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric.
In the run game, Ratledge steadily improved each season, according to PFF's grading system. This past season, among eligible guards, he ranked 33rd in run-blocking grade.
Fit with the Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have some question marks on the offensive line with Will Fries in Minnesota. Perhaps the answer to one of those questions is simply sliding Matt Goncalves over from tackle to guard to fill that opening. However, the Colts shouldn't assume that either.
Goncalves was a tackle during his time at Pittsburgh and he was a tackle during his first NFL season with the Colts. When Indianapolis selected Goncalves in the 2024 draft, GM Chris Ballard mentioned that he believed Goncalves could play inside. But again, assuming that is a seamless transition comes with risk.
The prudent move would be to have a competition for those starting snaps. While the outside focus is on Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones at quarterback, if the offensive line play for the Colts isn't good, it doesn't much matter who the quarterback is.
NFL draft profile
For more on Ratledge, here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report:
"A three-year starting right guard with a relatively safe floor, Ratledge plays with a dirt-dog mentality. His pad level is too high, but he mauls his way into early advantages in the run game. He has strong hands and uses them effectively to control and sustain his block. He’s an average athlete with adequate foot quickness and technique to get the job done. Ratledge lacks length and will reach when punching, opening him to quick counters. He sees and handles twists with above-average success and has enough anchor and redirect power to protect his pocket. Ratledge’s mentality and toughness should help him become a solid starter fairly quickly."
Ratledge is the second-ranked guard in this year's draft on PFF's big board and the 93rd-ranked prospect overall.
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge
Continue reading...
