Lions Draft Clemson’s Blake Miller With 17th Pick
The Detroit Lions have made their selection with the 17th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller.
Look, this one wasn’t exactly a shocker. The Lions’ biggest need was offensive tackle following the release of Taylor Decker earlier this offseason. Some folks might be scratching their heads wondering why it wasn’t Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, but Miller apparently fits the Lions culture perfectly, ranking sixth on the Grit Index measure.
Here’s what we’re getting: a four-year starter at Clemson who lived almost exclusively at right tackle. That means Penei Sewell is officially making the move to left tackle, just like we all expected.
What’s Left on the Board
The Lions still have plenty of work to do with eight picks remaining. They’ve got their second rounder at 50 overall, then two fourth round selections, two fifth rounders, two sixth round picks, and a seventh rounder to close things out.
With offensive tackle crossed off the list, the remaining needs are pretty clear. Defensive end sits at the top, followed by linebacker, tight end, nose tackle, defensive back, and running back. Plenty of holes to fill, plenty of opportunities to mess it up.
But hey, at least we addressed the offensive line first. That’s not nothing for a franchise that has historically treated protection for the quarterback like an optional luxury rather than a basic necessity.
Did the Lions nail this pick or are we about to watch another promising tackle struggle in Honolulu Blue? Sound off in the comments below.
Finally someone gets it. We’ve been getting pushed around in the trenches forever and this feels like a real step forward. Blake Miller looked solid every time I watched him play and having a legit tackle on the right side means Sewell can do his thing on the left. This is how you build a team that can actually protect your QB.
Look I hope I’m wrong but we’ve been down this road before with offensive linemen. The tape looks good now but let’s see how he actually holds up when he’s facing NFL edge rushers week in and week out. I’m not gonna celebrate yet, been burned too many times.
You know what, addressing the line early feels right to me. There was a time when we just ignored this stuff and it cost us. If this kid can stay healthy and develop like he should, we might finally have something solid up front for once.
I love that we’re taking this seriously now. Sewell moving to the left side where he belongs, Miller sliding in on the right, this is the kind of foundation stuff that wins games. Plus we still got eight picks to find some edge rushers which is exactly what we need.