First-round NFL Draft prospects the Detroit Lions passed on
The Lions drafted Blake Miller. Which players were also in consideration in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions successfully filled a major position of need with the selection of Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller . Miller was not the only highly-rated offensive tackle prospect available to the Lions at pick No. 17, though.
Who were some of those prospects and why might have the Lions passed on them? Here is the analysis from my Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Day 1 recap : Was Monroe Freeling a consideration? Many mocks had Freeling getting gobbled up by the Lions, as his availability at pick No.
17 wasn't even considered a possibility earlier in the draft season. Taylor Decker, who was released by the Lions earlier this offseason, had a career-altering shoulder issue (among other things), that may have dissuaded Detroit from drafting Freeling. Freeling's injury history , includes a shoulder surgery.
Freeling ended up going two picks later at No. 19 to the Panthers . What other offensive tackles might have been in consideration at No.