As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one of the most hotly contested position battles heading into training camp is taking shape at the heart of the offensive line — the center position. With seasoned veteran Graham Glasgow and talented rookie Tate Ratledge both vying for the starting job, this competition is expected to be one of the defining stories of camp in Allen Park.
Glasgow, a respected presence in Detroit’s locker room, returned to the Lions in 2023 and played a pivotal role on the offensive line throughout the past two seasons. His versatility — having played both guard and center — has made him a valuable asset for the team. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and ability to communicate pre-snap adjustments, Glasgow has been instrumental in anchoring the Lions’ offensive line and helping quarterback Jared Goff maintain composure under pressure.
However, age and salary cap considerations are always a factor in the NFL, especially with a roster that’s gradually getting younger. Enter Tate Ratledge — the Lions’ high-upside rookie and one of the most heralded interior linemen from the 2025 draft class. Selected out of Georgia, Ratledge comes into training camp with a reputation for physicality, tenacity, and an NFL-ready frame. His ability to maul defenders in the run game and hold his ground in pass protection makes him a legitimate contender to unseat Glasgow sooner rather than later.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Campbell and offensive line coach Hank Fraley, faces a difficult but exciting challenge in determining who will take the reins at center. While Glasgow offers immediate reliability and deep familiarity with the team’s blocking schemes, Ratledge represents the future and a potentially long-term solution at one of the game’s most underrated positions.
From a strategic standpoint, the decision won’t be based solely on physical traits or experience. The center is often responsible for calling out protections, identifying defensive alignments, and adjusting line calls — a mental workload that Glasgow has handled masterfully. For Ratledge, adapting to these responsibilities at the professional level will be a critical hurdle. His performance in preseason games and his ability to build trust with Goff and the rest of the offensive line will weigh heavily in the coaching staff’s final decision.
Another layer to this competition is the Lions’ offensive identity. Detroit is expected to continue relying on a physical, run-heavy offense that demands toughness and cohesion from the offensive line. If Ratledge can demonstrate he’s ready to be a cornerstone in that system while showing improvement in the mental aspects of the position, the Lions may choose to hand him the keys early.
That said, even if Glasgow begins the season as the starter, Ratledge’s presence is likely to keep the pressure on. Glasgow’s leadership will also be invaluable in helping the rookie adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL, potentially creating a healthy mentor-mentee dynamic that benefits the team in the long run.
As training camp kicks off, all eyes will be on this battle in the trenches. The outcome will not only shape the offensive line’s chemistry but could also influence the overall efficiency of Detroit’s offense in 2025. Whether the Lions choose to go with the dependable veteran or roll the dice on their promising rookie, the competition at center promises to be one of the most compelling storylines in camp — and perhaps a glimpse into the future of the franchise.