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Kirby Smart reacts to Tate Ratledge’s NFL Draft selection
By Mark Kern
Published:
Kirby Smart has gotten used to honoring his players during the NFL Draft, as the Bulldogs consistently put in as many guys to the NFL as any college over the past few years. That was the case once again on Thursday night, as the Bulldogs had 3 players drafted in the first round.
Georgia players continued to be drafted on Friday night, including offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, who went No. 57 in the second round to the Detroit Lions. On social media, Smart gave a shoutout to his former player.
“What a player Tate Ratledge is,” Kirby Smart posted on X. “The Lions are so lucky to have him! You provided a lot of energy and life to this program and I can’t thank you enough for your leadership here. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you. “
The Lions made a trade to go and get Ratledge, as they traded the 60th and 130th picks, while getting the 57th and 230th picks.
At 6-foot-7, 308 pounds, Ratledge has the ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. He was a major contributor to the Bulldogs, as he started 37 games for Georgia.
He can be very good both in the passing game as well as a run blocker. Detroit is led by Dan Campbell, and he is going to want to dominate the line of scrimmage. The line was one of the best groups in the NFL last season, and it is even deeper now.
