How Blake Miller will impact the Detroit Lions

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 22: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers looks on at the fans before the game against the Furman Paladins at Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Katie DeVaney/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit Lions used pick No. 17 in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Clemson right tackle Blake Miller as they continue to revamp their offensive line.

Miller should instantly compete with Larry Borom for a starting role at right tackle, and the early expectations are that the rookie should be the favorite to win the job. Let’s take a look at his background and traits and discuss how his addition will impact the Lions roster in 2026 and beyond. Round 1, pick 17: Blake Miller If you’ve been reading Pride of Detroit throughout the offseason, you should be familiar with Miller.

A force on and off the field, Miller was a standout star on the Grit Index , finishing No. 1 amongst OTs, sixth overall, and in the top 1% of all prospects. Back in March, in my only mock draft of the offseason, he was also the player I projected the Lions to pick at this spot.

Al Karsten wrote a detailed write-up on why the Lions should pick Miller in a pre-draft profile of the right tackle , and Jeremy Reisman was able to interview Miller at the NFL Combine for his article on offensive linemen with high character . Fit with the Lions The Lions have prioritized rebuilding the offensive line with youth and physicality, and the addition of Blake Miller should be the final part of the rebuilt engine. Miller has an ideal combination of height (6-foot-7), length (34.