The Lions Take Their Left Tackle of the Future
The Detroit Lions used the 17th pick to grab Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, and honestly, this one makes perfect sense. After cutting Taylor Decker this offseason, the Lions had a glaring hole to fill on the offensive line.
Miller wasn’t the flashiest name on the board. Some folks probably expected Georgia’s Monroe Freeling to get the call. But here’s the thing about this franchise under Dan Campbell: they draft guys who fit the culture, and Miller ranked sixth on the Grit Index. That tells you everything you need to know.
The kid comes to Allen Park with serious experience under his belt. Four years as a starter at Clemson, almost exclusively at right tackle. That sets up perfectly for what the Lions need to do next.
Sewell’s Big Move
This pick all but confirms what we’ve been expecting: Penei Sewell is officially making the move to left tackle. Miller slides in on the right side, and suddenly the Lions have bookend tackles who can protect Jared Goff for years to come.
It’s a solid, safe pick. The kind of pick that keeps you competitive without getting cute about it.
What’s Next for Detroit
The Lions still have plenty of work to do with seven picks remaining. Offensive tackle is still listed as their top remaining need, which means they’re not done addressing the line. Defensive end and linebacker are also high priorities.
With picks in the second, two fourth-rounders, two fifth-rounders, two sixth-rounders, and a seventh, the Lions have plenty of ammunition to keep building this roster.
Miller might not be the sexiest pick, but he’s exactly what this team needed. A four-year starter who knows how to handle business in the trenches. In a league where quarterback protection is everything, you can never have too much depth up front.
Think Miller was the right call at 17, or should the Lions have gone with Freeling? Drop your take in the comments below.
I love this move man. Miller might not be flashy but that’s exactly the point. We need guys who show up and do the work, and a four year starter who’s been tested is exactly what Goff needs. Sewell moving to left tackle with solid protection on the right side feels like the blueprint actually working for once.
Look I want to believe this is the right pick but I’ve seen the Lions whiff on these “safe” picks before. Miller looks solid but I’m not getting excited until he actually steps foot on the field and proves he belongs at this level. Fingers crossed they got it right this time.
You know back in my day we used to kill for offensive linemen like this. Four years of starting experience is something special and not a lot of young guys bring that to the table anymore. This team finally seems to understand that you build from the trenches out, and that makes me feel like maybe things are different now.