Blake Miller Film Study: Why the Lions Got Their Guy
We dove deep into the film on Blake Miller, the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and came away with exactly what you’d hope to see from a Brad Holmes selection. This kid can play.
Miller earned a first-round grade in what everyone called a deep offensive tackle class, and once you watch the tape, it’s not hard to see why. He’s consistent. He’s smart. He doesn’t get fooled when pass protecting, which feels like a small miracle after some of the tackles we’ve watched stumble around Ford Field over the years.
The athleticism jumps off the screen too. Miller posted a ridiculous 9.90 RAS score at the combine, and you can see those traits when he’s pulling in space or moving his feet in pass protection. Strong hands when he latches onto defenders. Light on his feet when the play calls for it. Next to second-year right guard Tate Ratledge, this could be a genuinely fun combination to watch.
The Development Timeline
Miller’s technique is mostly clean, but there are some things that need work. His one-handed punch needs refinement. His pass-sets have room for improvement. The good news? Hank Fraley is still coaching this offensive line, and that man has a track record of developing young talent in Allen Park.
This is where the Holmes draft philosophy shows up again. Take the player with the traits and the foundation, then let your coaching staff do what they do best. It’s worked before. It’ll work with Miller.
The film breakdown shows a player who fits what the Lions are building. Not flashy, not perfect, but fundamentally sound with the athletic ceiling you want from a first-round investment. In other words, exactly what you’d expect Holmes to target.
Ready to argue about Miller’s footwork and hand placement like the film nerds we’ve all become? Drop your scouting report below.
This is exactly why I trust Holmes. He’s not reaching for flashy names, he’s targeting guys with real traits and letting Fraley work his magic. Miller’s 9.90 RAS is nuts and the footwork stuff is coachable. Can’t wait to see him line up next to Ratledge.
I get what you’re saying about his ceiling, but first-round picks should come in more polished than this. His punch and pass sets need refining? That’s stuff you want figured out already at this level. I’m hoping Fraley can work miracles again but let’s pump the brakes a bit.
You know what I love about watching this regime work? This is the kind of pick that makes sense. Development mindset, good coaching, solid foundation. Back in the day we just threw darts at the board and hoped. Holmes actually knows what he’s doing with these guys.
The 9.90 RAS combined with that level of consistency is exactly what you want in a tackle prospect. This pick screams Brad Holmes all over it. Not sexy, just effective. I’m fired up to see how this develops over the next couple seasons.