Rookies to watch in the Hall of Fame Game: Detroit Lions edition
DT Tyleik Williams (1st round, 28th overall, Ohio State), OG Tate Ratledge (2nd round, 57th overall, Georgia)
In 2023, the Lions let their potential first ever Super Bowl appearance slip through their fingers. They had the Sam Francisco 49ers right where they wanted them, in the NFC Championship game, but alas, they couldn't close the deal.
Last season, the Lions responded by rolling up 15 wins, but couldn't even get back to the conference title game, let alone reach that first coveted Super Bowl. So this team is right on the cusp, and the quest to finally clear these last hurdles begins on Thursday.
Have they made the right tweaks with this latest draft class?
Head coach Dan Campbell said he wants his top two picks Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge, to play in this one.
"I think all of those guys need to play in a game, or games," Campbell said. "I see them playing in this game. Now, am I going to say that it's written in stone right now?
"No, I'm not. But I think I'd like to play those guys."
He went on to say that he hopes his entire rookie class to see some action in this exhibition game. Williams is going to be called upon to help fill those holes in the defensive front, and those issues were certainly on display as the Washington Commanders gashed them for 45 points in their divisional round elimination.
As for Ratledge, his job is to help beef up the interior of the Lions' offensive line, an area where they could use some more depth. Both of these guys have held starting roles, through training camp thus far, so expect some first team reps for this duo.
When it comes to the Lions rookies on Thursday night, it should likely be all about the big boys.
The NFL Hall of Fame Game kicks off on Thursday, July 31st, at 8pm EST. It will air on NBC and Peacock
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