ESPN comments on Detroit Lions' first-round NFL draft pick

After the Detroit Lions chose Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night from Pittsburgh, ESPN's Eric Woodyard provided draft analysis of the franchise's first-round selection.

According to Woodyard, Miller is viewed as a foundational draft pick by the Lions, as Detroit looks to reignite its aggressive, dominant offensive line unit that powered the franchise to back-to-back NFC North division titles in 2023 and 2024.

In particular, Woodyard pointed to Miller's pass-blocking as one of his most impactful strengths and views it as a major boost to the Lions' ability to better protect quarterback Jared Goff next year and beyond.

The Lions have added what they hope is another foundational piece with Miller, who is Detroit's first offensive lineman selected in the opening round since taking All-Pro Penei Sewell as the seventh overall pick in 2021. Miller will be expected to help the team immediately after the unit struggled in 2025, with the second-worst pass block win rate in the NFL (56%). He is a strong pick and fulfills a team need as the Lions have emphasized better pass protection for quarterback Jared Goff this offseason by beefing up the line through free agency and now the draft. -