Detroit Lions select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17

Allen Park — With the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions filled one of the team’s most significant long-term needs, selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller.

Miller, a right tackle, started all 54 games for the Tigers the past four seasons. The 6-foot-7, 314-pounder is an excellent athlete, has desired length of the position with 34 1/4-inch arms, and is just 22 years old, despite his extensive experience.

The addition of Miller sets him up to compete with free-agent signing Larry Borom of the team’s right tackle job and paves the way for All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle, following the offseason departure of longtime blindside blocker Taylor Decker.

Notably, the Lions had the choice of multiple prospects who had been frequently mocked to the team in recent weeks, including Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling and edge defender Keldrick Faulk.

Here are what some of the popular scouting reports wrote about Miller during the pre-draft process.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

“A four-year starter at Clemson, Miller was a mainstay at right tackle in former offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s balanced gap/zone scheme. Highly recruited out of the Cleveland area, he earned a starting job from day one at Clemson and was a model of consistency for a mostly inconsistent college offense. He started all 54 games the past four seasons (most consecutive starts by a non-specialist in school history) and set the Clemson record for career offensive snaps played (3,778).

“Miller has a good mix of on-field talent and intangibles. In pass protection, he is quick off the ball, with the range to mirror rushers up the arc and a surprisingly sturdy anchor to answer different types of rushers. Miller also shows his foot quickness and physical demeanor to move bodies in the run game. He isn’t a great bender, though, and savvy NFL rushers will find some success using his aggressive techniques against him. His coaches rave about his smarts and football character (NFL scout: “I think he missed one practice in four years. The thought of letting down his coaches and teammates kills him.”)”

Lance Zielein, NFL.com

“Ultimate iron man at right tackle with 54 career starts. Miller has unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright. His hands lack accuracy and command in both phases, but he can recover and make blocks with a finisher’s mindset. Miller is rarely beaten by rush games, but he has his edges attacked because of his hand issues. He will encounter difficulties at the next level without better pad level, core strength and cleaner technique. If he tightens up in those areas, Miller can become a solid NFL right tackle.”

Todd McShay, The Ringer

"Miller is a powerful mauler with the strengths to move defenders off the ball. He blocks through the echo of the whistle and has a finisher’s mentality. He is an aggressive downfield blocker who overpowers defenders in space. At Clemson, he was a team captain and three-time All-ACC right tackle who set a school record for consecutive starts (by a non-specialist) with 54. He opted to play in Clemson’s bowl game against Penn State despite the Tigers’ disappointing season and had one of his best performances of the year. He also tested well at the combine.

“Miller sets with a strong base, keeps his cleats in the ground, and anchors well for the most part. He latches and locks out when he gets his hands inside. He doesn’t cover enough ground with the second kick step, and he can be beaten by speed, especially when the opposing edge rushes from wide-nine alignment. His hand placement is erratic, which puts him in vulnerable positions — he’s susceptible to having his hands swiped as he’s beaten to the inside.”