Lions 'Inside the Den' shows why the team loved Tate Ratledge as a prospect
During this episode, we learn about the Lions thought process behind selecting DT Tyleik Williams from Ohio State. Meanwhile, we get to see how the trade process works in Detroit. Especially on day two of the draft where the Lions moved up for IOL Tate Ratledge and WR Isaac TeSlaa.
One of my favorite parts of this series are the player interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine. Getting to see how the players respond to coaches and how the coaches respond to the players is always so interesting to watch. Additionally, they talk the X's and O's and to me, that always helps determine what type of player you're getting for your team.
One of the interviews the Lions had at the Scouting Combine was with Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge. Aside from his testing and tape, it was clear that this interview helped solidify where the Lions were going to place Ratledge on their board. When talking to Lions OL coach Hank Fraley, there was a question for Ratledge to describe his style of play.
Tate responded with confidence, 'I think physical. I play with an edge. I think, in my mind, I know when it comes to the 4th quarter, you're gonna tap before I'm gonna tap. That's how I play.'
Lions HC Dan Campbell quickly responded with "got it." Despite not being shown, I'm sure Campbell was all smiles. Additionally, through this episode, it was clear that the Lions had a plan for Ratledge prior to drafting him. There's a part where Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp asked Campbell and Holmes if he could play center. They reassured her that he could and Campbell even went onto say, "I think, it's better for us in the long haul. It'll be better for us in the short term too."
You can watch this "Inside the Den" series with the video posted below. Or you can go to the Detroit Lions YouTube page to get caught up on all of their video content from media interviews with players and coaches to sights and sounds from the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 'Inside the Den' shows why the Lions loved Tate Ratledge as a prospect
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