Miami Dolphins draft crushes: Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge
The Miami Dolphins are in need of an overhaul on their offensive line, both talent and attitude wise. That has been evident in recent years when Miami has faced off against a playoff-caliber team, particularly one with a physical defensive front. 2023 showcased those flaws against teams like Baltimore, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, who all […]
The Miami Dolphins are in need of an overhaul on their offensive line, both talent and attitude wise. That has been evident in recent years when Miami has faced off against a playoff-caliber team, particularly one with a physical defensive front.
2023 showcased those flaws against teams like Baltimore, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, who all bullied Miami's offensive line on the way to convincing wins. Things were even worse in 2024, with the Dolphins' running game finishing dead last in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry.
The Dolphins flat out need some toughness. They need some dawgs in the middle of that line. With a starting guard spot still open after the signing of free agent IOL James Daniels filled one their two offseason vacancies, finding an interior offensive lineman early in the draft should be a priority for general manager Chris Grier. And there just so happens to be someone who could be available on day two that the Dolphins should take a long look at.
The Miami Dolphins should consider Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge with the 48th overall pick of the draft.
Ratledge is a guy who oozes toughness. He reminds me attitude and aura wise of former Ravens and Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen. A guy you just don't want to mess with. Who would that be on Miami's offensive line right now? I honestly can't think of one.
As far as testing, Ratledge handled himself well in Indianapolis at the Combine. He had a 4.97 40-yard dash time, 1.72 second 10-yard split, 32 inch vertical, and 9'5" broad jump. Pretty impressive. That earned him a top rating as far as athleticism among all guards at the Combine according to NFL.com. The Dolphins demand a lot out of their offensive linemen as far as athleticism and moving around the field, so Ratledge would fit that bill there.
The Dolphins have a trio of picks in the first two days of the draft – 13th overall, 48th in the second round, and a compensatory third round pick at 98. It doesn't seem likely Ratledge would make it to the end of the third round, so pulling the trigger at 48 would have to be the play – if he's still there.
We'll find out soon enough if Miami is on board with the former Bulldog standout, as the 2025 NFL Draft gets underway in less than two weeks.
