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NFL
First-round NFL Draft prospects the Detroit Lions passed on
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the NFL Draft, passing on other highly-rated prospects like Monroe Freeling. The decision raises questions about why these alternatives were overlooked.
Key points
- Lions selected Blake Miller in the first round
- Monroe Freeling was a highly-rated prospect available
- Lions focused on filling a major position of need
Blake MillerMonroe FreelingDetroit Lions
The Lions successfully filled a major position of need with the selection of Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller. Miller was not the only highly-rated offensive tackle prospect available to the Lions at pick No. 17, though. Who were some of those prospects and why might have the Lions passed on them?
Here is the analysis from my Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Day 1 recap:
Was Monroe Freeling a consideration?
Many mocks had Freeling getting gobbled up by the Lions, as his availability at pick No. 17 wasn't even considered a possibility earlier in the draft season.
Taylor Decker, who was released by the Lions earlier this offseason, had a career-altering shoulder issue (among other things), that may have dissuaded Detroit from drafting Freeling. Freeling's injury history, includes a shoulder surgery.
Freeling ended up going two picks later at No. 19 to the Panthers.
What other offensive tackles might have been in consideration at No. 17?
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Lions pass on Monroe Freeling in the NFL Draft?
The Lions likely passed on Monroe Freeling despite his availability due to their focus on filling specific team needs and possibly valuing Blake Miller's skill set more.
Who were the top offensive tackle prospects available to the Lions at pick No. 17?
In addition to Blake Miller, the Lions had other highly-rated offensive tackle prospects like Monroe Freeling available at pick No. 17.
What position did the Detroit Lions prioritize in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions prioritized the offensive tackle position, successfully selecting Blake Miller to address a major team need.