Detroit Lions Select Clemson Tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 in 2026 NFL Draft

Jason Dayee
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller.

The Detroit Lions made a significant investment in their offensive trench on Thursday night. With the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Detroit selected Clemson Tigers offensive tackle Blake Miller. The announcement brought an outpouring of emotion from Miller and his family, marking the culmination of a grueling four-year collegiate journey characterized by unprecedented durability and a relentless work ethic.

For Miller, hearing his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was the realization of a lifelong dream. The raw emotion on his face told the story of countless early morning workouts and playing through the inevitable pain of college football. He becomes the first Clemson prospect taken off the board in this year’s draft, taking his talents to a Detroit organization known for valuing toughness and grit.

A Historic Milestone for Clemson Football

Miller’s selection at No. 17 is not just a personal triumph; it is a landmark moment for the Clemson football program. He is the first Clemson offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft during the Super Bowl era. He is also the first Tiger to go in the first round since cornerback Nate Wiggins in 2024.

The Detroit Lions recognized a player who anchored the Clemson offensive line for four consecutive seasons. Miller leaves the collegiate ranks as the all-time leader in snaps played for Clemson since the school began tracking the metric in 1986. He logged a staggering 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 career games. Remarkably, every single one of those appearances was a start. That streak of 54 consecutive starts stands as a program record for any non-specialist.

The Ultimate Iron Man Mentality

In an era where top draft prospects frequently opt out of bowl games to protect their draft stock, Miller took the opposite approach. His dedication to his teammates resonated deeply with NFL front offices.

One AFC regional scout noted that it was not surprising to see Miller play in Clemson’s final bowl game. The scout praised Miller for his team-first mindset, pointing out that the tackle simply does not miss games or look for ways out of competing. That level of reliability is highly coveted by Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, who has built a culture centered on dependability and toughness.

Last season, Miller played 808 total snaps. Over that span, he allowed just 14 pressures, two hits, and two sacks while being penalized only five times. His efficiency as a pass-blocker was highly rated, with a pass-blocking grade of 81.6 that ranked 33rd among 632 qualified offensive tackles in college football.

Scouting Profile and Fit in Detroit

NFL analysts have heavily scrutinized Miller’s technique, but they all agree on his foundational traits. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Miller as the ultimate iron man at right tackle. Zierlein noted that Miller possesses unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space, even if he sometimes plays too upright. While Zierlein pointed out that Miller’s hands lack command at times, he emphasized that the tackle can recover and finish blocks with a punishing mindset.

Zierlein added that Miller will need to improve his pad level and core strength at the professional level. However, if he refines his technique, he has the potential to become a highly reliable starting right tackle in the NFL.

For the Detroit Lions, this selection provides significant clarity regarding their offensive line configuration. Drafting a natural right tackle like Miller strongly signals that the Lions are committed to moving forward with Penei Sewell as their long-term blindside protector at left tackle.

Looking Ahead to the Motor City

Before arriving at Clemson, Miller was a highly touted four-star recruit and the No. 12 rated offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting cycle. He followed up a Freshman All-American campaign in 2022 with three consecutive All-ACC seasons, joining elite company in Clemson history.

Now, the two-time First-team All-ACC performer will trade his orange and purple for Honolulu blue. As the tears of joy dry and the celebrations subside, Miller will quickly pivot to the reality of the NFL. The Lions have drafted a player who knows nothing other than showing up to work every single day, and Detroit fans will likely embrace his blue-collar approach from the moment he steps onto the practice field.

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.