Lions Selected Blake Miller in 2026 Draft
Detroit secured the former Clemson starter with the 17th overall pick during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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In April 2026, the Detroit Lions utilized their 17th overall pick in the NFL Draft to select offensive tackle Blake Miller. The team favored Miller for his extensive experience as a four-year starter at Clemson.
Why it matters
The Lions specifically targeted a right tackle who could provide immediate, veteran-level experience on the offensive line. By choosing Miller over other prospects like Monroe Freeling, the front office prioritized established college production.
Blake Miller started 54 games and played 3,762 snaps at Clemson, while Monroe Freeling started 14 games and played over 1,300 snaps. Miller has allowed three pressures in two NFL games, compared to 14 pressures and two sacks allowed by Freeling in three games.
The players
Blake Miller
He is a professional offensive tackle who played his collegiate football at Clemson before being drafted by the Detroit Lions.
Monroe Freeling
He is an offensive tackle who played at the University of Georgia and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League and is based in Allen Park.
Carolina Panthers
This is a professional American football team based in Charlotte that competes in the National Football League.
The details
The Lions evaluated both Miller and Freeling as top prospects to anchor their right tackle position. Miller ultimately emerged as the preferred choice due to his collegiate track record of 54 starts compared to Freeling's 14.
Timeline
The 2026 NFL Draft occurred in April 2026.
The Lions face the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 4, 2026.
The Big Picture
This draft selection follows the established precedent of the 2026 NFL Draft where teams placed a premium on experienced college starters to fill immediate roster vacancies. The Lions' decision to favor snap counts over raw potential mirrors a broader shift toward recruiting collegiate veterans.
Miller's transition to the starting right tackle position provides the Lions with immediate depth that impacts the team's offensive efficiency. His early performance of allowing only three pressures in two games positions him as a critical factor in the team's upcoming October schedule.
The takeaway
Selecting an experienced starter like Miller highlights the value teams place on high snap counts and collegiate reliability. Fans should monitor his development against opponents to see if his college consistency translates to long-term NFL success.
Further reading
For more information on team roster developments, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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