Scouting Profile: Tate Ratledge - IOL - Georgia
Sales Pitch: Experienced guard with scheme versatility. Tall frame with short arms creates some limitations but should be a high floor starter.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Tate Ratledge is a former 4-Star recruit from the state of Georgia, where he lettered in football, basketball and shot-put. A staple on the Bulldogs offensive line, Ratledge is a three year starter with over 2,000 snaps at RG. He leaves school as a two-time All-American and All-SEC player, with a pair of championships to his name.
Ratledge is a taller guard with plus play strength and athletic ability. A 3 year starter in the SEC, he is extremely experienced and plays with the hard nosed mentality line coaches love. Ratledge is a scheme versatile player with above average ability as a move or man blocker. When asked to drive defenders at the point of attack, he shows strong hands to attach and control and brings his hips to generate power. He is quick to pop and climb to the 2nd level on double teams, where he displays the body control to mirror quicker players. Ratledge is smooth out of his stance as a puller or on reach blocks to get out in space. Even when his initial contact isn’t perfect, he strains to recover and seal off defenders. As a pass protector, Ratledge is quick with his feet and hands to disarm rushers off the line of scrimmage. He has active eyes to pick up looping rushers, with the lateral agility to slide and close off open gaps. He has the size and strength to take contact to his chest and hold his ground as well.
Ratledge is extremely tall for an interior offensive lineman at over 6’6”, and with short arms (18th percentile) it creates some limitations to his game. If he cannot get first contact with his punches in the run game, he struggles to lock out defenders. When this happens he becomes more of a brawler with wide hands, allowing opposing linemen to slip across his face. Ratledge is always at a disadvantage in the leverage game with his height, and it hampers his ability to access his natural power at times. Power rushers that attack with good pad level are able to get under him and create knockback. His lack of length makes it difficult to recover once he starts retreating. Ratledge is an aggressive puncher in pass protection to make up for his shorter arms, but it opens him up to quick counters, particularly versus swim moves. He has a habit of bending at the waist and getting caught leaning when he is punching.
Ratledge profiles as a starting RG with scheme versatility. While his frame might limit his ceiling, he is a smart tough player with good technique who should slide into a starting lineup from the jump. Ratledge projects as a Day-2 pick with a high floor and early starter ability.