The Lions Nailed Their Draft, And Yes, We’re All Thinking the Same Thing
A full week out from the Lions’ 2026 draft and the verdict is in from the Pride of Detroit staff: Blake Miller was the pick that had everyone nodding in Allen Park. Not exactly a shocking revelation, but sometimes the obvious choice is obvious for a reason.
Miller landed at No. 17 without Brad Holmes having to mortgage the future or get cute with trades. The offensive tackle was sitting there, the Lions had a glaring need after parting ways with Taylor Decker, and Holmes did what good general managers do. He took the best player at a position of need and called it a day.
Why Miller Has Everyone Feeling Good
This wasn’t about getting flashy or making headlines. The offensive line took a noticeable step back last season, and fixing that mess was priority one. Miller brings the experience and consistency that made him the safe choice, but safe doesn’t mean boring when you’re talking about a potential decade-long starter.
The character fit matters too. Holmes has built this roster with specific types of players, and Miller checks every box from a culture standpoint. He’ll technically compete with Larry Borom for the right tackle spot, but let’s be honest about how that battle is likely to end.
The Sleeper Pick That Has People Talking
While Miller was the consensus favorite, Keith Abney is generating some serious buzz as a potential steal in the fifth round. Finding a future starting nickel that late in the draft is exactly the kind of value Holmes needs to hit on to keep this roster competitive long term.
The Lions didn’t have a ton of draft capital to work with, which makes late-round gems like Abney even more crucial. You can’t build a sustained winner just hitting on first and second round picks. You need those Day 3 guys to develop into contributors, and Abney has that potential.
Holmes let the board come to him instead of forcing moves that weren’t there. Miller was the logical choice at 17, and when logic lines up with talent and need, that’s usually a recipe for success in Allen Park.
So what do you think? Is Miller the kind of foundational piece this offensive line needed, or are we getting a little too excited about another rookie? Drop your take in the comments below.
