Most people expected the Detroit Lions to select a tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Like everyone who said The Spruce Caboose was too big to stay on the tracks, they were right. Even with some players lasting longer than anyone thought, such as Rueben Bain Jr. ,Francis Mauigoa, and Caleb Downs, Lions’ GM Brad Holmes resisted the temptation to trade up. Staying put at pick 17, the Detroit Lions predictably drafted Blake Miller in the first round.
Blake Miller: A Popular Choice For Lions’ Pick
Not only did most people think Detroit would draft a tackle in round one, but many people expected that tackle to be Clemson RT Blake Miller. As the draft drew near, Miller had become an increasingly popular choice for the Lions’ pick. Miller was Detroit’s first-round choice in my last mock draft as well.
It was abundantly clear that Blake Miller fit everything the Lions look for in a player. Grit? Check. Toughness? Check? Athleticism? Check. After combining his physical traits and demeanor with Detroit’s pressing need for a tackle, it was very clear Miller was destined to be a Detroit Lion.
Somewhat Surprising Lions Didn’t Trade Up Or Down
While it shocked nobody that Blake Miller was their choice, it was still somewhat surprising that the Lions didn’t trade up or down. Bain Jr, Downs, and Mauioga were all widely expected to be drafted inside the top 10, possibly even in the top 5. As the trio continued to slide, I expected Holmes to pounce and make an aggressive move. Holmes, however, remained patient.
It was another surprise that the Lions made no effort to move down as they were on the clock. Detroit’s pick was in almost immediately, showing their conviction in drafting Miller. However, with several extremely talented players still on the board, it is a bit perplexing that Holmes didn’t even explore moving down to acquire more draft capital.
With prospects such as Monroe Freeling, Akheem Mesidor, Caleb Lomu, Max Iheanachor, and Dillon Thieneman all still available, the Lions could have still drafted a stud even after moving down a few spots. That Detroit didn’t is a testament to just how confident they are in Miller’s ability. The back of round 1 saw numerous trades, so Holmes certainly could have made a deal if he was interested. Holmes believed the risk of losing out on Miller wasn’t worth an extra pick or two.
Was Blake Miller The Right Pick?
It’s hard to argue with drafting an extremely talented, durable, and athletic player who happens to play a position your team sorely needs. However, it is mildly surprising to see Detroit pass on Monroe Freeling’s upside or Rueben Bain Jr’s value (by trading up two spots).
It cannot be argued that Detroit couldn’t come out of this draft without a long-term solution at tackle. The Lions got one in Blake Miller, who could hold down their RT spot for the next decade. Drafting Miller allows Detroit to finally move Penei Sewell to left tackle, maximizing the star’s impact on each game.
Perhaps other players the Lions could have taken would have come with higher ceilings than Miller. However, Miller is a safe, pro-ready player who has a very high floor. The Detroit Lions are a better football team after adding Blake Miller.
