Tag: Tate Ratledge

3 Georgia Bulldogs make ESPN’s top 100 players of 2024

ESPN’s top 100 CFB players of 2024 features three Georgia Bulldogs

ESPN released their rankings of the top 100 players from the 2024 college football season. Out of the top 100 players, three Georgia Bulldogs made the list.

Georgia won the 2024 SEC championship, but lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl to end their College Football Playoff run.

Here is how the Georgia Bulldogs ranked

Tate Ratledge, No. 40

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

It speaks to how dominant Ratledge was in 2024 that he made the list despite playing in just 10 games. Ratledge had tightrope surgery on an ankle injury he suffered during the Kentucky game.

Throughout the 2024 season, he only allowed one sack and four hurries, with a 74.7 PFF grade. Ratledge is projected to be a second round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Malaki Starks, No. 29

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Starks had a stellar final season with the Georgia Bulldogs. Outside of a tough performance in the Alabama game, Starks was a major presence on the Georgia defense.

He led the Bulldogs with 77 tackles, along with earning four tackles for loss, one interception, and three passes deflected. His junior season performance earned him a second-team All-SEC spot. He is projected to be an early first rounder.

Jalon Walker, No. 15

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Walker didn’t crack the starting lineup until his third season with Georgia, but boy, did he make up for lost time. He became the best pass rusher for Georgia, leading the team in 6.5 sacks, along with 38 tackles. His biggest game was against Texas on Oct. 19, where he racked up three sacks in the first half.

Walker was a Swiss-army knife with the Georgia defense. He’s gotten comparisons to Micah Parsons, and he’s projected to be a near top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Dolphins’ top 2025 draft prospects: Georgia OG Tate Ratledge

Tate Ratledge brings the kind of nastiness and power to the interior that the Dolphins lacked in 2024.

If you’re looking for toughness and power to add to your rushing attack, Georgia’s Tate Ratledge is your guy. Ratledge is a perfect blend of strength, smarts, and tenacity that could be an immediate game-changer for the Miami Dolphins offense.

With great size and athleticism, Ratledge is a ready-made lineman who can knock defenders off the line of scrimmage and be a factor in space at the next level as well. He has a ferocious style of play and can finish his blocks consistently.

In 2023, Ratledge earned Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honors. A year later, he was a Third Team All-American and again earned a spot on the First Team All-SEC squad. Ratledge has the size to be a tackle, if needed, but his strength is on the interior. In 2,081 snaps over his collegiate career, Ratledge was credited with allowing only two sacks and committed just five penalties.

Position: OG
Projected round: Rounds 2-3
Height: 6’6
Weight: 320

Fit for Miami

The Miami Dolphins are desperate not only for offensive line improvement, but a change in mentality up front. Ratledge’s physicality would be a major factor in shifting the team’s offensive identity from speed to a mix of power, as well.

The Dolphins have decisions to make in free agency with most of their interior offensive linemen from last season set to hit the market in March. That includes 2021 second-round pick, Liam Eichenberg, along with Robert Jones and Isaiah Wynn.

The Dolphins have three starting offensive linemen back in 2025 in tackles Austin Jackson and Patrick Paul, along with center Aaron Brewer, and may also have Terron Armstead back for another season. They just have to solidify their guard spots.

Bottom line

Miami’s No. 48 overall selection could be a tad early for Ratledge, but for the Dolphins’ need up front, it may warrant the pick anyway. Ratledge is the type of player who could change the mindset Miami has on short-yardage situations.

Too many times, head coach Mike McDaniel has called plays on third- or fourth-and-short, which scream that he’s afraid to call a direct, inside rush. It’s clear he doesn’t believe in his team’s ability to get a push when it needs just a yard or so. It’s hard to blame him. Miami must invest in a run-blocking presence, and Ratledge is a blue-chip talent in that area.

If Miami doubled up on the offensive line by taking a tackle in the first round followed by Ratledge in the second (or possibly even the third), it would be a fantastic start to the 2025 NFL draft for the Dolphins.

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3-round Chargers 2025 mock draft: End-of-year edition

The Los Angeles Chargers take two of Jim Harbaugh’s former players.

The Chargers’ 2024 season is over, so the focus shifts to the offseason. Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz will look to revamp their roster with the pieces to get deeper into the playoffs.

L.A. will hold the No. 22 overall selection in the first round.

With that in mind, here’s our first mock draft of the 2025 off-season.

Round 1, No. 22

Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan

The Chargers need to add a tight end who can make an impact in the passing game, something they haven’t had since Hunter Henry. Los Angeles fulfills that with Loveland, who reunites with Jim Harbaugh. With his skills as a pass-catcher, Loveland would quickly become one of Justin Herbert’s go-to targets. He possesses the athleticism and route-running chops to separate from coverage, the speed to threaten the seam vertically, and a great catch radius to go up and reel anything thrown in. He is also a willing blocker in the run game, which Greg Roman would appreciate.

Round 2, No. 55

Tate Ratledge | IOL | Georgia

I would not be surprised if the Chargers spend big money on the interior part of the offensive line in free agency. But since it’s still so early in the offseason, we will draw out a scenario where they don’t. Trey Pipkins struggled and dealt with injuries late in the season. When he was on the field, Pipkins struggled in pass protection. While giving Herbert the playmakers he needs is imperative, so is keeping him upright. Ratledge is a plug-and-play right guard who plays with the desired play strength, football IQ and physicality. He is also battle-tested against SEC-level competition.

Round 3, No. 86

Josaiah Stewart | EDGE | Michigan

The Chargers might address this position earlier in the draft if Joey Bosa is a cap casualty and Khalil Mack is not back with the team, whether that’s him retiring or signing with another team. Regardless, the edge defender room needs more juice to complement Tuli Tuipulotu. Stewart’s first season with the Wolverines was the year Harbaugh led them to a national championship. This past season, he led Michigan in sacks with 8.5. Stewart is an explosive pass rusher with a quick first step and an arsenal of counters that will translate to the next level from Day 1.

Georgia OL declares for 2025 NFL draft

Senior UGA football offensive lineman announces his decision to declare for the NFL draft.

Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge has declared for the 2025 NFL draft. Ratledge also accepted a Senior Bowl invitation to help improve his draft stock.

“Glory be to God! Without Him none of this would be possible. Thank you to Coach Smart, Coach Searels and all of the other coaches who have helped me grow as a man and player over the last 5 years. I wouldn’t trade the hours spent on the field, locker room or in the facility for anything,” Ratledge wrote.

“To my teammates, thank you for being more than teammates. The bonds that have been created are ones that will last for life. I couldn’t ask for a better group to learn, grow and fight with each and every day. Better together.”

“Athens will always be special to me, but with that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. It has been an honor to be a University of Georgia Student Athlete. There truly is no tradition more wroth of envy, no institution worthy of such loyalty as the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!”

Ratledge started 37 games in five years and earned All American and All-SEC teams in both 2023 and 2024. He missed time this season due to an ankle injury that required tightrope surgery, but he still made an impact, earning SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week against Tennessee.

Ratledge joins Smael Mondon and Arian Smith in the Senior Bowl. He also joins Carson Beck, Warren Brinson, and Jalon Walker in the 2025 NFL draft. He is currently ranked as the fifth-best interior offensive line prospect.

Texans add All-Big Ten DL, All-Conference WR in 2025 NFL mock draft

In the latest mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the Houston Texans shore up both lines and add another weapon for C.J. Stroud.

While the Houston Texans are looking toward the AFC playoffs, the team’s scouting department is starting to formulate an idea on what direction to look in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Defensive tackle remains a dire need. So does the interior offensive line. And after losing Tank Dell for most —if not all — of the 2025 season, wide receiver has moved up the pecking order in Nick Caserio’s to-do list.

The good news? Pro Football Focus has Houston targeting all three positions with its first three picks. At pick No. 23, the Texans bolster their defensive line by targeting All-Big Ten defensive tackle Kenneth Grant from Michigan. 

Here is PFF’s Gordon McGuinness’ commentary on Grant:

The Texans are really strong at edge defenders, as Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter give them one of the top pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Adding to their defensive interior would be wise though, and if Grant is still on the board when they make their selection, he would make a lot of sense.

At pick No. 55, the Texans improve their pass protection with an anchor at guard in Georgia’s Tate Ratledge.

Here’s McGuinness’ note on Ratledge.

Ratledge has been one of the best pass-blocking guards in all of college football throughout his time at Georgia, earning an 80.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade in each of the past three seasons, and allowing just 13 total pressures from 1,016 pass-blocking snaps since 2021.

In Round 3, Houston swipes perhaps the most underrated receiver prospect in the draft with the selection of Colorado State’s Tory Horton at pick No. 87. The two-time All-Mountain West was coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Rams before suffering a season-ending knee injury against San Jose State.

Here’s McGuinness’ thoughts on Horton.

The Texans offense suffered when Tank Dell got hurt in 2023, and when Nico Collins got hurt this year, so investing a top-100 draft pick on a wide receiver would make a lot of sense. Horton has averaged over 2.70 yards per route run in each of the past three seasons.

Currently, the Texans own the No. 19 pick, though given their playoff status, that’s subject to change.

Houston closes out the regular season on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Georgia OL accepts Senior Bowl invitation

Georgia Bulldogs senior offensive lineman Tate Ratledge accepts 2025 Senior Bowl Invitation

Georgia Bulldogs standout offensive lineman Tate Ratledge plans to play in the 2025 Senior Bowl. Ratledge is the first Georgia player to accept an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Ratledge, who is from Rome, Georgia, began his Georgia career in 2020. He is technically able to return for a sixth season at UGA, but based on his acceptance of a Senior Bowl invitation, he will be entering the 2025 NFL draft.

Ratledge gave the Georgia offensive line a massive boost when he returned to the lineup after his injury. Ratledge has been rated as the highest draft eligible guard by many NFL experts and is expected to be an early pick in the draft. The senior center was named to be a 2024 third team All-American and finished the year as an All-SEC selection.

Tate Ratledge has helped with the stability for the offensive line at the end of the season after suffering an ankle injury against Kentucky. Ratledge has played with Stetson Bennett, Carson Beck and now is going to block for Gunner Stockton.

Ratledge been a starter on the Georgia offensive line for the past four seasons. He has only missed the College Football Playoff once.

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The Senior Bowl is the most well-respected predraft scrimmage. Tons of NFL draft scouts and executives attend the event.

SEC honors two Georgia Bulldogs after win vs. Tennessee

The SEC announced their players of the week, rewarding two Georgia Bulldogs

In Georgia’s 31-17 win over the Tennessee Volunteers, there were several standout players. The SEC honored senior guard Tate Ratledge and junior punter Brett Thorson for their performance versus Tennessee.

Ratledge earned SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week, which is unbelievable considering he’s currently managing pain from the tightrope surgery from a high ankle sprain. Regardless of the injury, he played all 76 snaps of offense. He had a 77.5 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF (subscription needed), and he was part of a line that didn’t allow Carson Beck to get sacked once against a fierce Tennessee pass rush.

“It’s probably the first game that we haven’t subbed an offensive lineman the whole time,” Kirby Smart mentioned about Ratledge, “And we were concerned about that because we didn’t know how Tate would hold up. And that game meant a lot to Tate. Tate grew up in a Tennessee family and a dad that was a Tennessee fan. That game’s a lot of pride to him. And I thought his energy and toughness really showed. And just a week ago, he dinged it and couldn’t go. And he went out there tonight and really played physical, played tough.”

Thorson won SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week. The Australian native averaged 44.2 yards per punt, with a 53-yard boot and two punts inside the Tennessee 20-yard line. He also had a touchdown-saving tackle in the first half.

Thorson gave a presentation to the team after his tackle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCkHbtfyKI0/

This year, Thorson has averaged 46.3 yards a punt, which is ranked tenth in the country. He also ranks fifth in the country on net punt average, with 43.5 net yards per punt.

Will Tate Ratledge play this week? Injury updates for Georgia OL

Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge is dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates.

Georgia Bulldogs All-American offensive guard Tate Ratledge has been sidelined for several weeks after suffering an ankle injury in the Kentucky game. Ratledge underwent tightrope surgery on his ankle, but is doing much better now and has a good chance to play against the Florida Gators.

Ratledge was close to being ready to play against the Texas Longhorns and went through pregame warm ups. However, Ratledge was only available as an emergency option against the Longhorns. He had another week to heal on Georgia’s bye week and is trending towards playing against Florida.

Tate Ratledge injury update

Ratledge is listed as probable per the SEC injury report that was released Wednesday night. The talented offensive guard could play less snaps than normal if he is not completely healthy.

“We’re hopeful. We think he’s going to be able to give us something,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart earlier this week. “He broke some last week, took some reps, did rehab over the weekend. Hopefully, he’s raring to go. I know he wants to play it’s really important to him.”

How long was Ratledge out?

Ratledge suffered his initial injury on Sept. 14. He has missed over six weeks, which is a similar timeline to former Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims, who had a similar injury a year ago.

Offensive line depth chart

Georgia started offensive guard Micah Morris more snaps in Ratledge’s absence. Morris will still rotate in for the offensive line and will play full back. Georgia has also moved offensive lineman Xavier Truss from tackle to guard at times with Ratledge out.

Kirby Smart provides injury update on Tate Ratledge

Georgia football offensive guard Tate Ratledge is looking to return from injury against the Florida Gators

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge has been sidelined for several weeks after suffering an ankle injury in the Kentucky game. Ratledge underwent tightrope surgery on his ankle, but is doing much better now.

In fact, Ratledge was close to being ready to play against the Texas Longhorns and went through pregame warm ups. However, Ratledge was only available as an emergency option.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is more optimistic about Ratledge’s chances of playing against Florida.

“We’re hopeful,” Smart said. “We think he’s going to be able to give us something. He broke some last week, took some reps, did rehab over the weekend. Hopefully, he’s raring to go. I know he wants to play it’s really important to him.”

Georgia will be careful with Ratledge as the Bulldogs don’t want to risk him reinjuring his ankle. Georgia inserted offensive guard Micah Morris into the starting line up in Ratledge’s absence. Georgia has also played offensive lineman Xavier Truss at guard sometimes over the past several weeks.

Georgia plays Florida at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Georgia-Florida game will be televised on ABC.

Kirby Smart provides Georgia injury updates

Georgia football injury updates as the Bulldogs look to heal up ahead of the Florida game

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart provided injury updates following Georgia’s big road win over the Texas Longhorns. Georgia is currently in its bye week. The Bulldogs are looking to heal up ahead of the Nov. 2 game against the Florida Gators.

“We’re hoping to get (linebacker) Smael (Mondon) back,” said Smart. “Can’t wait to get him back. Hopefully it’ll be soon. He’s out there with us right now. And don’t know when it’ll be.”

Mondon has been out with a foot injury, but it does not sound like he will miss an extended period of time. However, he was ruled out early in the week against Texas, so it would be a bit of a surprise if he can go against Florida.

Georgia offensive guard Tate Ratledge suited up for the Texas game, but he was only available in an emergency capacity. Ratledge has been out since the Kentucky game with an ankle injury.

“I’ve seen a lot of hard work. He (Tate Ratledge) could be one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” said Smart. “He had a very significant tightrope injury, to the point it was more significant than Brock’s (Bowers), and he is fighting his way back. He wasn’t ready to play, but he was an emergency guy that could have gone in the game if we needed him to. We’re hopeful he keeps getting better.”

The Florida game has always represented a realistic recovery timeline for Ratledge, but every injury is different and unique. Ratledge is a name to watch when Georgia releases its SEC injury report on Wednesday, Oct. 30 before the Florida game.

Georgia running backs Branson Robinson (knee) and Roderick Robinson (toe) both remain out. Defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye missed the Texas game with an unknown injury.

Georgia is expected to be without defensive backs Dan Jackson and Joenel Aguero for the first half of the Florida game. Both Jackson and Aguero were ejected in the second half against Texas due to targeting and as a result face suspensions for the first half against Florida.