The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft holding the No. 17 overall selection and ultimately chose Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, a player they believe can help strengthen an offensive line that struggled during the 2025 season.
Despite speculation that general manager Brad Holmes could trade up in the first round, Detroit stayed put and selected Miller, adding another key piece to an offense undergoing significant changes.
The Lions will also be working under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who takes over following John Morton’s departure.
Following the conclusion of the team’s OTA sessions in Allen Park, Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered his candid assessment of Miller’s early progress.
“Well, there again, he wants to do it right,” Campbell said. “He tries to do what you ask him to do, what he’s coached to do. It’s early, and there’s something he learns every day. Even without pads, our defensive line isn’t giving him any breaks.
Whoever lines up across from him is making him work.”
Campbell emphasized that Miller’s development process is similar to what former first-round picks Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson experienced when they first arrived in Detroit.
“Sewell went through it, Hutch went through it. That’s part of the process,” Campbell explained. “As long as Blake keeps improving and takes those small steps every day, he’ll be fine.”
Brad Holmes Praises Blake Miller’s Work Ethic and Character
Lions general manager Brad Holmes revealed that Miller’s athleticism, urgency, and dedication were major reasons Detroit targeted him in the first round.
“His urgency and athleticism were the first things that caught my attention,” Holmes said. “I felt he needed to continue developing his strength, but even watching his 2023 tape, you could see the potential. Then he got better in 2024, and by 2025 there were really no concerns.
That’s a credit to his work ethic.”
Holmes also highlighted Miller’s football character and commitment to improvement, qualities that helped make him one of Detroit’s top draft targets.
“He’s a high football-character individual,” Holmes added. “His growth over the years speaks volumes about the type of player and person he is.”
Blake Miller Brings Experience and
Leadership to Detroit
During his standout career at Clemson, Miller established himself as one of the program’s most reliable offensive linemen. He set a school record with 3,778 career offensive snaps, demonstrating exceptional durability, consistency, and experience against top competition.
As the Lions prepare for the 2026 season, Miller is expected to compete for a significant role on the offensive line and could become a foundational piece of Detroit’s future success.
