The Lions didn’t just make a pick — they made a statement. By landing Clemson ironman Blake Miller at No. 17, Detroit doubled down on toughness in the trenches and may have just secured a cornerstone for its offensive line.
The NFL draft is underway, and with the first round now complete, Detroit made a clear statement about its priorities in the trenches by selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall.
Miller arrives with the profile of a durable, battle-tested lineman. He started 54 games at Clemson and set a program record with 3,778 career snaps, underscoring his reputation as an ironman. At 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, he combines size with athleticism, traits that made him one of the more dependable tackles in this year’s class. Over four seasons, Miller allowed just seven sacks, a testament to both his technique and consistency in pass protection.
He is expected to compete immediately with Larry Borom for the starting right tackle job. The addition of Miller continues a noticeable offseason emphasis on rebuilding and reinforcing the offensive line. Detroit has now brought in five linemen, Miller, Borom, Juice Scruggs, Cade Mays and Ben Bartch, signaling a commitment to depth and competition across the unit.
Miller also highlighted his own durability after being selected, noting he missed only one practice during his time at Clemson due to wrist surgery. He added that he could not remember the last game he missed, if any. That level of availability, paired with his production, helped him earn First-Team All-ACC honors twice while serving as a four-year starter.
General manager Brad Holmes said the team explored the possibility of trading up to secure Miller as a run on offensive tackles began earlier in the round. With tackles coming off the board at picks No. 9, 10 and 12, Detroit evaluated its options but ultimately stayed put. Holmes said the front office felt confident Miller would still be available after the Los Angeles Rams selected QB Ty Simpson, allowing Detroit to land its target without sacrificing additional draft capital.
Another name frequently connected to Detroit was Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling. While Freeling remained on the board at No. 17, the Lions opted for Miller, a decision that aligned with a consistent draft trend under Holmes. Every first-round selection he has made has had a top-30 pre-draft visit with the team, and Miller fit that pattern. Freeling did not have such a visit, which, in hindsight, signaled Detroit’s direction.
Coach Dan Campbell offered a straightforward evaluation when asked what stood out about Miller. “He’s solid, he’s steady, he’s great in the run game and he’s smart,” Campbell said. He pointed to Miller’s extensive experience as a major factor, noting that 54 starts provided the coaching staff with ample film to evaluate. Campbell added that Miller possesses both a high floor and a high ceiling — a combination teams covet when investing in offensive linemen early in the draft.
Campbell also emphasized Miller’s physicality, describing him as a “finisher” in the run game. Still, the coach made it clear that no starting role will be handed out. “You’ve got to earn it,” Campbell said, reinforcing the competitive environment along the offensive line following Borom’s offseason signing.
Looking ahead, Detroit enters Day 2 with limited draft capital, holding only one selection, the No. 50 overall pick in the second round. Given remaining needs, particularly along the defensive front, the Lions could look to maneuver back into the third round. Holmes has shown a willingness to make draft-day trades, and that approach could come into play again.
Early expectations suggest Detroit will target a defensive lineman or edge rusher to complement its investment on the offensive side. After addressing protection and depth up front, the focus may now shift to strengthening the pass rush and adding balance to the roster.
For now, though, the Lions leave the first round with a proven, durable tackle in Miller, a player they believe can anchor the line for years to come while embodying the physical identity the team continues to build.