Monroe Freeling's draft call with Panthers is absolutely amazing
Monroe Freeling's Joyful Draft Call with the Panthers
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised new offensive tackle Blake Miller, selected at No. 17 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Campbell highlighted Miller's extensive experience and potential to impact the team's offensive line immediately.
Mentioned in this story
After the Detroit Lions chose offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, head coach Dan Campbell gave his first thoughts on the first-round selection and how the former Clemson offensive tackle can be an immediate impact on the team next season.
"Man, he's played a lot of football. He's solid, he's steady, man. He can do it all. He plays physical in the run game. Freaking smart. Tough, edgy, got length, moves well. We just feel like this is a guy who can come in and compete and help us with the O-line," Campbell said in an interview with Fox 2 Detroit's Dan Miller.
Campbell was asked how Miller's 54 starts in his collegiate career may have helped the Lions' scouting process.
"It's important, and it really resonated with us. You know, we had a lot of love for the guy, and then there was a lot of kind of top-tier tackles in here. And when you start watching, man, just the closer we get to the draft, I mean, his consistency and what he was able to do, man, the steadiness that he provided.
"And it was just, man, good production week in, week out. For not just one year, multiple years. So we like this guy, and we think he's got upside. He's got a high floor, and we see a ceiling too that he can get to," Campbell said.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller is selected by the Detroit Lions as the number 17 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dan Campbell emphasized Miller's 54 collegiate starts, noting that his experience and consistency greatly impressed the Lions during the scouting process.
Campbell believes Miller will compete and help strengthen the offensive line due to his physical play, intelligence, and versatility.
Miller was selected due to his solid performance, extensive experience, and the potential for significant contributions to the team's offensive line.
Monroe Freeling's Joyful Draft Call with the Panthers
Caleb Lomu received a welcoming text from Will Campbell after being drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round. Lomu expressed excitement about joining the team and connecting with his new teammate.

Un estudio revela que las orcas tienen culturas distintas y algunas son reticentes a interactuar.

Un informe advierte sobre una crisis económica en 2028 que podría causar despidos masivos y hundir el consumo.
Andre Onana's heroics help Trabzonspor reach the semi-finals!
Bears select Dillon Thieneman, a surprise pick at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
When asked how he felt about Miller's intangibles in the pre-draft scouting process, the Lions' head coach lauded his physicality and versatility in both pass and run protection.
"I love the way he plays the game. There's a way that he prepares, there's a way that he trains to get ready, all those things... but really, when you turn on the tape, he's a physical finisher, man. That's what he does. And he's got versatility, obviously, pass pro and run game. So we just felt like he was a really good fit for us," Campbell said of Miller.
With the Lions securing their top priority in the 2026 NFL Draft in the first round, the focus now shifts to how the franchise will address other key positions during Day 2 and Day 3 of the annual league event tomorrow and Saturday.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions' Dan Campbell shares first thoughts on new OT Blake Miller