Clemson's dedicated offensive lineman risks injury to play his final game, elevating his draft stock and drawing Cowboys' potential interest.
Clemson is losing a key offensive lineman before the 2026 season.
Blake Miller, a native of Strongsville, Ohio, recently finished his senior season with the Tigers.
While Clemson didn't finish with the record (7-6) Miller hoped for in his final year with the program, he made an admirable decision to play in the team's 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl despite risking injury before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miller wanted to finish with his teammates.
“I love being around the team," Miller said, via USA Today. "I love being around the coaches, and I love being around my teammates. And I just wanted to be able to finish things out with them, and play one last game together...
“I love the family that we have here,” he said. “I don’t want to let those guys down… If I can go, I’m going to go.”
Miller's dedication could boost his draft stock for April.
Matt Renner of CBS Sports projected the Dallas Cowboys to select Miller with the No. 20 pick, despite being ranked as the No. 43 prospect in the draft.
"Dallas loves addressing the offensive line in Round 1, and Miller would fit perfectly with its young unit," Renner wrote. "Terence Steele has been a sore spot at right tackle the past few years -- the same spot Miller played at Clemson."
The Cowboys need improvement on the offensive line. Dallas has been unable to run the ball efficiently in recent seasons.
Quarterback Dan Prescott has had to carry the team. While Miller can do just fine protecting Prescott, he could be an upgrade over Steele in the ground game.
Miller is a humble prospect that feels like he learned a lot from head coach Dabo Swinney's program.
“I really feel that I’ve been incredibly blessed,” Miller said. “I’m so grateful for my time here… and how I’ve grown not only as a football player, but as a man.”
Miller's position could help him become a Day 1 pick. Offensive tackles are a top commodity in the league, and he's considered the sixth-best player at his position for this year's class.