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Lions Draft Blake Miller 17th to Shield Goff

4/26/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Blake Miller of Clemson with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miller allowed 14 pressures and two sacks in 2025 and is expected to protect quarterback Jared Goff, though he must improve run blocking.
General Manager Brad Holmes earned praise for blending best-player-available picks with team needs, adding a versatile edge rusher and earning a favorable draft grade.

History

Historical Context

At the NFL’s April 17-18, 1999 draft—held at Madison Square Garden—the New England Patriots used the 199th overall pick in the sixth round to select quarterback Tom Brady, one of 253 players chosen that year. His rise illustrates how teams, since the draft’s inception, have increasingly valued deep scouting to uncover late-round talent.

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Story summary

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Blake Miller of Clemson with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miller allowed 14 pressures and two sacks in 2025 and is expected to protect quarterback Jared Goff, though he must improve run blocking.
General Manager Brad Holmes earned praise for blending best-player-available picks with team needs, adding a versatile edge rusher and earning a favorable draft grade.

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