Full Breakdown
Detroit Lions Draft Clemson Tackle Blake Miller at No. 17
4/28/2026, 12:40:44 PM
Draft Decision
On April 24, 2026, the Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. It is the team's first first-round offensive lineman since Penei Sewell in 2021.
Background & Need
The Lions finished 2025 with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs, leaving their offensive line exposed despite Penei Sewell’s emergence. Rumors of trading the first-round slot surfaced, but the front office kept the pick to add depth at tackle. The move aims to bolster the run game and strengthen the line overall.
Player Profile
Miller started 54 consecutive games at Clemson, setting a school record with 3,778 snaps. He played both right and left tackle and earned a 9.90 Relative Athletic Score at the combine, ranking 17th among 1,645 offensive tackles evaluated since 1987. His ability to play both tackle positions gives the Lions flexibility in addressing multiple line spots.
Data & Statistics
- College starts: 54
- Career snaps at Clemson: 3,778 (school record)
- Combine RAS: 9.90/10 (17th of 1,645 OTs)
- Draft slot: No. 17 overall
The 3,778 snaps average roughly 70 per game across his 54-game career.
Official Statements & Responses
GM Brad Holmes said the team had tracked Miller for three years and praised his “urgency and athleticism,” noting a high floor and strong work ethic that could see him start alongside Sewell. Head coach Dan Campbell called Miller “solid, steady, physical in the run game and freakin’ smart,” adding the organization was “fired up” about the pick. Holmes highlighted Miller’s intelligence as a factor that could accelerate his transition to the NFL.
Criticism & Opposition
The sources contain no critical commentary; the selection was uniformly presented as a strategic move to reinforce the offensive line.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All reports agree on Miller’s draft position, college experience and combine metrics; no discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've probably been watching Blake for about 3 years now and he literally has gotten better every single year. That's what makes you really excited about a player like that, that actually has a high floor. I don't see any reason why he won't continue to get better.” — Brad Holmes, GM
- “He just, man, he’s played a lot of football, he’s solid, he’s steady, man,” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach
- “His urgency and athleticism, that was the first thing that really kind of caught my eye,” — Brad Holmes, GM
- “His makeup, just everything he’s about, he's very intelligent, very tough, football is very important to him,” — Brad Holmes, GM
What's Next
Miller will report to the Lions’ Allen Park facility for rookie minicamp and is expected to compete for the starting left-tackle role opposite Sewell as the team prepares for the 2026 season.