Eagles 2024 three-round mock draft (October edition): Philly makes uncharacteristic decision

The Philadelphia Eagles could reap the benefits of continuing their pipeline with the Georgia Bulldogs with their final pick of Day Two.

Round Three: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia

It seems likely that Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce will retire after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles following 2023. While his retirement will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field, the Eagles did draft Nebraska's Cam Jurgens in 2022 to be the eventual replacement for Kelce at center. In the meantime, Jurgens has been the starting right guard when healthy for the Eagles in 2023.

If the Eagles intend to have Jurgens slide over to center once Kelce retires, they will once again have a hole at right guard that will need to be filled, and Georgia's Tate Ratledge could be the ideal player to fill that role here in the third round. Despite playing tight end in high school, Ratledge was a highly recruited offensive lineman who received offers from Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and other top programs across college football.

Standing at six-foot-six and weighing 315 pounds, it is easy to see why Ratledge transitioned to the offensive line despite possessing the athleticism that allowed him to play tight end in high school. Ratledge's career at Georgia started slow, as he only played in two games and saw just 11 snaps over his first two seasons in 2020 and 2021 due to inexperience and a torn ACL.

However, Ratledge broke out on the offensive line in 2022 with the Bulldogs. He played 660 snaps on the offensive line, with 659 at right guard. He allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and four pressures while only drawing two penalties.

This was also a season where Georgia's rushers combined for over 3,000 rushing yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry en route to the Bulldogs' second consecutive College Football National Championship.

In 2023, Ratledge has picked up where he left off in 2022. He has played 357 snaps, all at right guard, and has allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and one pressure, while Georgia's offense is averaging over 150 rushing yards per game through their first six games.

Ratledge was even named a captain for their second game against Ball State and is enjoying a 23-game winning streak with the Bulldogs. While Ratledge relies on his size, natural power, and athleticism to overpower opponents at the collegiate level, Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has a history of turning unrefined talent into perennial Pro Bowlers at the NFL level.

More Eagles news and notes