
Askou, McGlynn, McInnes, O'Neill up for SFWA Manager of Year
Jens Berthel Askou and Martin O'Neill nominated for SFWA Manager of the Year!
ESPN identifies the Detroit Lions' biggest remaining roster hole as right guard, despite addressing other needs in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team is relying on improvement from second-round pick Tate Ratledge, who struggled last season.
The Detroit Lions addressed some of their top areas of need with their 2026 NFL Draft picks.
But, where can the roster keep improving? ESPN examined each NFL team's biggest roster hole following the draft. Where is the Lions' biggest roster hole?
According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, it's still up front along the offensive line at right guard.
This isn't a hole the Lions are going to try to plug because they're counting on improvement from 2025 second-round pick Tate Ratledge. However, he was a real weakness last season. Ratledge's pass block win rate of 87.4% ranked 63rd out of 65 qualifying guards, and his run block win rate of 69.9% was below average. - Aaron Schatz, ESPN
The Lions' starting offensive line appears set after the 2026 NFL Draft and Tate Ratledge is very much a part of that at right guard.
The organization and Dan Campbell have been high on Ratledge from the jump. Campbell said in August of last year that Ratledge looked like a starting NFL guard. Sure enough, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman out of Georgia did start all 17 games at right guard.
While ESPN's numbers on Ratledge are discouraging, Ratledge earned a 73.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. That ranked 12th among all NFL guards and second among rookie guards.
The biggest roster hole for the Detroit Lions is at right guard.
Tate Ratledge had a pass block win rate of 87.4%, ranking 63rd out of 65 qualifying guards, and a run block win rate of 69.9%, which was below average.
ESPN noted that the Lions are not looking to plug the right guard position immediately, as they are counting on improvement from Tate Ratledge.

Jens Berthel Askou and Martin O'Neill nominated for SFWA Manager of the Year!
Oregon Ducks baseball jumps to No. 19 in RPI before USC series.
NFL begins leaking 2026 schedule; Seahawks to open season on Sept. 9
Dennis Allen accepts responsibility for Bears' pass rush struggles this season.
David Njoku signs with the Chargers for one year at $8 million after leaving the Browns.
Braves secure series win against Dodgers; injury updates on Murphy and White.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Over his final 12 games, Ratledge didn't allow a sack and gave up only four quarterback hits.
Like others on this roster, Ratledge will need to continue improving. At one point, a potential move to center was on the table. But now, after the Lions inked center Cade Mays in free agency, Ratledge feels like the long-term starter at right guard.
“There’s been growth. That’s really what you want out of your rookies. You want to feel like that there has been growth taking place. Being between Graham (Glasgow) for most of the year and (Penei) Sewell has helped, but there’s a ton of growth left.
"He’s going to have to take another step next year. Preferably this next game coming up, take another baby step here, but he’s going to need to take another step, which he’s got that and he’s capable of," Campbell said of Ratledge last December.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN dissects Lions' biggest remaining roster hole after NFL draft