Detroit Lions' Blake Miller rejects comparisons to other Round 1 OTs

TL;DR

Blake Miller, the Detroit Lions' first-round pick, emphasized the importance of individuality over comparisons during his introductory press conference. He stated that 'comparison is the thief of joy' when asked about his standing among other offensive tackles from the 2026 NFL Draft.

Key points

Blake Miller is the Detroit Lions' first-round pick.
He emphasized individuality over comparisons.
Miller's introductory press conference was on April 24, 2026.
He stated that 'comparison is the thief of joy.'
Seven offensive tackles were selected on Day 1 of the draft.

Detroit LionsBlake Miller

In his introductory news conference Friday at Detroit Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Blake Miller dropped an interesting aphorism.

“Comparison,” the team’s first-round pick said, “is the thief of joy.”

Miller had just been asked how he felt he stacked up against the other six offensive tackles selected on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions first round draft Blake Miller, center, poses for a photo with his father Chris Miller, left, and mother Karen Miller at his introductory press conference at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, April 24, 2026.

LET'S MAKE A DEAL? Using trade value chart to map out potential Day 2 deals for Detroit Lions

“Obviously, there’s a ton of talented guys in this process,” the former Clemson lineman said. “My biggest thing was just making sure that I was trying to be the best version of myself every day.”

It's a good policy to live by, especially as he embarks on a new chapter in his football life.

But from this point forward, there is little doubt Miller, the 17th overall selection, will be measured against every bookend blocker chosen Thursday, especially the one who was snatched up by the Carolina Panthers two picks after him – Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.

“Naturally, people are going to get compared to one another,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it all comes back to trying to excel in whatever role you are in, trying to be the best at your game you can be because no two people are ever going to be the same and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. It’s trying to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses that is really what is going to make you the best player.”