5 things to know about Detroit Lions NFL draft pick Blake Miller

Blake Miller is perceived as plug-and-play at right tackle

After Taylor Decker's release, the Lions' need for an offensive tackle was ratcheted up. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said earlier this offseason that Detroit was considering moving Penei Sewell over to left tackle.

In Miller's 54 starts, 53 came at right tackle. With that type of extended track record at right tackle, there's really no reason to move Miller from right to left tackle.

It's a draft pick that makes sense because of the Lions' offensive tackle need and because it comfortably pairs with the organization's desire to move Sewell over to left tackle.

PFF numbers look great

Miller's Pro Football Focus numbers were impressive last season. The Clemson offensive tackle posted an 83.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025 and surrendered only two sacks and two quarterback hits in 2025, per PFF. Miller allowed just a 2.8% pressure rate in 2025, per PFF.

Miller was a first-team All-ACC selection in both 2024 and 2025.

Blake Miller started weightlifting at 8 years old

In Dane Brugler's annual "The Beast" for The Athletic, Brugler shared that Miller started weightlifting at 8 years old. Miller started lifting with the varsity football team in seventh grade. The Clemson star also has a wrestling background, where he won an OAC state championship.

Miller has enjoyed some freaky traits for a long time. And that's great news for Lions fans.

Here's what Brugler wrote about Miller in closing in "The Beast":

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.”). Overall, Miller has an upright play style that could lead to issues vs. NFL competition, but he has the type of profile (physical traits, football IQ, competitive toughness) that teams will bet on every time. He should compete for a starting right tackle role as a rookie. - Dane Brugler, The Athletic

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 5 things to know about Detroit Lions NFL draft pick Blake Miller