Full Breakdown
Detroit Lions Draft Clemson Offensive Tackle Blake Miller at No. 17
4/24/2026, 12:17:17 PM
First-Round Selection
On April 23 2026, the Detroit Lions chose the first-round Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick. Miller, a 6-foot-6¾, 317-pound right tackle, joins free-agent signings Cade Mays, Larry Borom, Ben Bartch and trade acquisition Juice Scruggs.
Offensive Line Context
The selection follows the Lions’ release of left tackle Taylor Decker and guard Graham Glasgow after a 9-8 season that missed the playoffs, a step down from the 2023 NFC championship and 2024 15-win record. Detroit signed Mays to a three-year center deal and added Borom on a one-year, $5 million contract, signaling a line rebuild.
Miller’s College Production
Miller started 54 straight games at Clemson, setting a school record 3,778 offensive snaps. In 2025 he logged 875 snaps, allowed 14 pressures and two sacks, and posted a 98.4 pass-blocking efficiency (tied for 10th among 146 FBS tackles). At the combine he ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash, posted a 32-inch vertical, 34¼-inch arms and 32 bench reps, earning a 9.90/10 Relative Athletic Score.
Official Reactions
Coach Dan Campbell called Miller “solid, steady, and can do it all.” GM Brad Holmes labeled the pick a “best-player-available” move. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney praised his “big, strong, athletic” leadership, while OL coach Matt Luke called him “a true professional.”
Analyst Concerns
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said Miller “delivers adequate pop but doesn’t have overwhelming power to create knock back,” noting an “upright pad level” and occasional leaning. Some view the pick as a low-risk, stability-focused option.
Implications for Detroit
If Miller starts at right tackle, Sewell can shift to left tackle, restoring balance after Decker’s exit. Detroit expects Miller’s durability and athleticism to boost pass protection and run blocking, addressing a key weakness from 2025.
Draft Outlook
Detroit holds eight picks after the first round, including No. 50 in the second and multiple selections in rounds 4-7. The team plans to add depth on the line and address linebacker, defensive end and secondary needs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the offensive line, I've had second-rounders, third-rounders, fourth-rounders, every round you can think, but he's my first first-round offensive lineman, and, boy, is he worthy.” — Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach
- “ MATT LUKE: “They’re getting a true professional in every sense.” — Matt Luke, Clemson offensive line coach
- “He's played a lot of football. He's solid. He's steady, man, he can do it all,” — Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions head coach
- “delivers adequate pop but doesn’t have overwhelming power to create knock back.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic analyst
