Rookie Blake Miller could be a difference-maker for Lions

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now, it's time to size up this Detroit Lions' rookie class.

For the Lions, they needed to pin down a budding tackle early, and they did so with offensive tackle Blake Miller out of Clemson. The Lions scooped him up with their No. 17 overall pick.

Detroit Lions' Blake Miller gets early praise

Chad Reuter of NFL.com gave the pick an "A" grade, noting that losing longtime starting offensive tackle Taylor Decker made it absolutely crucial for the Detroit Lions to find another offensive tackle in the first round of the draft.

"Miller's combination of experience and physicality must have endeared him to the decision-makers in Detroit, considering they passed on Georgia OT Monroe Freeling, who went two picks later," Reuter said. "We’ll see which player has a better NFL career, but I think the Lions made the right call."

Now, Miller is projected to be a major breakout player during his rookie year. NFL.com's Tom Blair names Miller his No. 2 pick for the rookie who will succeed in his first year in the league and beyond.

"The Lions clearly see Miller, who has 54 college starts to his name, as a pro-ready prospect -- which is great, because they have a Miller-ready offensive line," Blair wrote. "The unit wasn't the only thing that went sideways for Detroit in 2025, but fixing it could be the most efficient way to level the Lions back into the NFC's upper class."

So, does Miller have what it takes to help the Lions come back from being last place in the NFC North? That's to be determined, but he's their best chance for help coming from a rookie.

If head coach Dan Campbell and the team are going to prove their window hasn't closed, they need to secure some tackle help, and it's a relief that they took care of business early in the draft. Now, as they move ahead without Frank Ragnow and Decker, Miller will be their newest go-to on the squad.