At the peak of the Detroit Lions’ offensive success from 2022-24, the engine that drove this team’s identity was a proven, dependable, and imposing offensive line. Arguably one of the most defining units in all of football. And yes, I know what you’re thinking: here we go again with another offensive line rebuild.
Since then, that group has undergone significant turnover. Frank Ragnow retired. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were released amid contract differences and a desire to get younger and more sustainable.
Jonah Jackson and Kevin Zeitler also departed in free agency at different times. While there were other factors at play, including an underwhelming tenure from offensive coordinator John Morton, the Lions’ fall from first to worst in the division last season can largely be traced back to the offensive line’s regression.
What was once a strength became a clear Achilles’ heel. Because of course it did.
Detroit Tries to Rebuild in the Trenches
This offseason, the organization has made a concerted effort to reclaim its identity in the trenches. They’ve added players like Cade Mays, Larry Borom, Ben Bartch, and Juice Scruggs to help restock the unit.
Given the premium nature of the offensive tackle position and the strength of this draft class at the top, the Lions are well positioned to use a top-20 pick to put the finishing touches on their offensive line remodel. Blake Miller, Clemson’s right tackle, stands out as a strong candidate to be the best player available when Detroit is on the clock.
Athletic Traits That Actually Matter
Blake Miller’s most underrated trait is his athleticism. Often left out of the discussion when he’s labeled as a “safe” or “high-floor” prospect.
He checks in at over 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, with an 83 7/8-inch wingspan and 34 1/4-inch arms. Comfortably checking all of the boxes from a size and length standpoint.
The Midwest native (Strongsville, OH) also registered a 5.04-second 40-yard dash (86th percentile among offensive tackles), a 32-inch vertical (87th percentile), a 113-inch broad jump (90th percentile), and 32 reps on the bench press (91st percentile). For a player not typically defined by elite athleticism, Miller is more than well-equipped physically.
He has the third-highest Relative Athletic Score (9.90) among all offensive tackle prospects in this draft. The movement traits and testing profile support a long and successful NFL career.
The Resume Speaks
Miller earned 2× First team All-ACC honors (2024, 2025). Third team All-ACC recognition (2023) before that. He was a Freshman All-American (2022) and set the school record for most consecutive starts by a non-specialist with 54.
He also set the school record for career snaps with 3,778. Clemson has been keeping track since 1986. He was named team captain (2025), which matters more than people think.
What Miller Does Well
Miller is one of the most efficient-moving offensive tackle prospects in this draft. Despite being over 6-foot-6, he’s an incredibly fluid and effortless mover. His smooth movement ability paired with outstanding lateral quickness allows him to reach his landmarks with controlled urgency while maintaining favorable leverage and positioning.
Whether it’s backside cut-off blocks, down blocks, sealing the edge, climbing to the second level, or executing skip pulls, Miller consistently gets the job done. His ability to operate in space is a major asset.
That trait has real translation to Detroit. Frank Ragnow was previously a valuable weapon on pulls and second-level work thanks to his quickness and control. Outside of Penei Sewell, the Lions lacked that type of polished mover last season.
Miller projects as a player offensive coordinator Drew Petzing could utilize across a versatile run-blocking repertoire. Adding another dynamic layer to the Lions’ offense.
His first-step quickness, initial burst, and ability to establish a strong base rapidly stand out. He consistently beats defenders off the line of scrimmage and into contact in both run blocking and pass protection, allowing him to dictate positioning early in reps.
That footwork translates cleanly into pass protection. His springy, controlled slide allows him to stay balanced and mirror rushers effectively, while maintaining the flexibility to pass off stunts and pick up blitzers.
The Finisher’s Mentality
Miller is a competitive blocker, and his finisher’s mentality is another one of his superpowers. While his raw power can be more adequate than overwhelming at times, his effort and play demeanor never waver. He’s relentless from snap to whistle, consistently working to sustain blocks and finish defenders.
He looks to make opponents feel him at the end of plays, bringing an edge that shows up over the course of a game. When he gets into a rhythm and starts stacking dominant reps, it’s a beautiful thing.
It’s a mentality that would fit seamlessly within the Lions’ offensive identity. Blake Miller may not have prototypical hand size (9 3/4″), but he uses his hands effectively. There’s real thud in his strikes, particularly in the run game, where he generates movement on drive blocks and down blocks.
It’s easy to envision Miller pairing those momentum-churning mitts on double teams with Tate Ratledge or in short-yardage situations where Detroit wants to win at the point of attack.
Areas for Improvement
There are times where Blake Miller’s pad level rises, costing him leverage in the rep. When he plays too high, his base can get too narrow, which leads to balance issues and, at times, him ending up on the ground or losing ground in the rep.
It’s a technique issue that shows up more than occasionally, but it’s also coachable. Similar tendencies have surfaced at times with Taylor Decker (6-foot-7), and it’s the type of refinement offensive line coach Hank Fraley can help clean up at the next level.
Miller could also use refinement in his hand placement consistency. While his punch can be a weapon when timed correctly, there are moments where his hands are late or mistimed, and at times set too wide.
When his hands get outside his frame, and defenders establish inside leverage on his chest, Miller can lose control of the rep and slide off blocks. These issues often show up in conjunction with higher pad level and a narrower base.
The Positional Limitation
Blake Miller enters the evaluation process as a four-year starter at right tackle with extremely limited experience elsewhere (two starts at left tackle and only 24 snaps in-line or as a move tight end).
That lack of positional versatility could impact how some teams stack him on their boards. However, it’s unlikely to be a significant negative in the eyes of the Detroit Lions, who have position flexibility with Penei Sewell and already have some of their interior players.
Production Numbers
Miller’s PFF grades show steady improvement over four seasons. 2025: 78.5 overall, 73.5 run blocking, 83.5 pass blocking with 5 penalties. 2024: 75.6 overall, 69.3 run blocking, 76.4 pass blocking with 1 penalty. Compare that to 2022: 71.8 overall, 76.8 run blocking, 63.8 pass blocking with 10 penalties.
The trajectory tells the story of a player who got better each year.
Character That Fits Detroit
Blake Miller ranks sixth overall on the 2026 Grit Index with a 9.67 score. Number one among offensive tackles. The feedback from evaluators and those around him consistently reinforces the same theme.
An AFC regional scout noted: “It wasn’t surprising that he played in (
