The roar of the crowd at Lambeau Field had barely subsided from Thursday night’s first round when Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions front office made their next calculated moves. In a draft class already earning praise across the league, the Lions’ draft picks of Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in rounds two and three, respectively, revealed a clear vision: build on last season’s success by fortifying the trenches and adding explosive playmaking ability.
Lions Are Aggressive With Day 2 Draft Picks
The Lions didn’t just wait for their picks to come around. They aggressively traded up for both players, a testament to their conviction in each prospect’s potential. The Lions moved up to secure Ratledge with the 57th overall pick, then later orchestrated another trade, this time with Jacksonville, to select TeSlaa at No. 70.
Ratledge, a mountain of a man at 6-foot-6½ and 308 pounds, brings more than just impressive measurables to Detroit. A three-year starter who appeared in 37 games at right guard for Georgia, he was the cornerstone of an offensive line that dominated the SEC. His selection addresses a critical need for the Lions, who’ve been looking to add youth and power to their interior offensive line.
“You can’t teach that kind of size and nastiness,” said one NFC scout who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Ratledge plays with the kind of edge that defines Detroit’s identity right now. He’s not just big – he’s technically sound and understands leverage like a veteran.”
The Georgia product’s combine performance turned heads, posting a surprising 4.97-second 40-yard dash that showcased his exceptional athleticism for his size. But it’s his in-game film that had the Lions’ brass convinced he was their guy.
TeSlaa’s selection in the third round might be the more intriguing story. The Michigan native becomes the first Unity Christian High School graduate ever selected in the NFL draft, completing a remarkable journey from small-school standout to SEC performer at Arkansas, and now to the NFL.
He joins a receiving corps that already includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond, but his unique skill set should carve out an immediate role. The Lions’ receiving room combined for an impressive 24 touchdowns last season, and TeSlaa’s addition gives quarterback Jared Goff another weapon in what’s becoming one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks.
“We had a first-round grade on TeSlaa’s athletic traits,” Lions GM Brad Holmes told reporters after day two concluded. “His ceiling is through the roof, and he fits perfectly with what we’re building here in Detroit.”
The selections make even more sense when you look at the Lions’ current roster construction. The offensive line, anchored by veteran center Frank Ragnow, needed an infusion of young talent, particularly after some recent injuries exposed depth concerns. Ratledge isn’t just depth – he’s a day-one starter candidate who could lock down the right guard position for the next decade.
These picks continue a pattern we’ve seen from Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell: targeting players who combine elite physical traits with a certain edge to their game. Both Ratledge and TeSlaa fit that mold perfectly.
The Lions entered this draft coming off their most successful season in decades, but rather than playing it safe, they’ve shown the aggressive mindset that got them there in the first place. Trading up for both players cost additional draft capital, but the front office clearly believed the value was worth it.
The moment Isaac TeSlaa’s family and friends found out he was going to his hometown team. pic.twitter.com/ZCSvHOWA53
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) April 26, 2025
“You look at what San Francisco has built, what Philadelphia has built – it starts in the trenches and extends to playmakers who can stress a defense,” said former NFL executive Mike Lombardi. “Detroit is following that blueprint, but they’re doing it their way. These aren’t just good players – they’re good players who embody what Dan Campbell wants this team to be.”
The moment Tate Ratledge was officially drafted by the Detroit Lions 🥹 pic.twitter.com/8SjydKuzlr
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) April 26, 2025
The reaction from Lions fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with both selections drawing loud cheers from the contingent that made the trip to Green Bay for the draft. But the real test will come in September, when these young players will be expected to contribute to a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
For now, though, the Lions appear to have struck gold again in the middle rounds of the draft. Ratledge and TeSlaa represent not just talented additions to the roster, but a continuation of the culture shift that has transformed this franchise from perennial underachiever to legitimate contender.
As the draft moves into day three, one thing is clear: the Lions aren’t just building a team, they’re building a sustainable winner. And if these day two picks hit the way the front office believes they will, the roar in Detroit might be getting even louder.
Author: Dave Sadows
Dave Sadows bleeds Honolulu blue. A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, he’s weathered heartbreaks and miracle wins with equal parts hope and humor. Sundays find Dave decked out in his lucky Barry Sanders jersey, grilling brats and insisting the Lions’ year is finally here. Win or lose, Dave’s loyalty never wavers - every game is a reason to gather friends, yell at the TV, and believe, just maybe, this is the season that changes everything.