Lions select OT Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in NFL Draft

Detroit addresses O-line need with Clemson tackle.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read

Detroit addresses O-line need with Clemson tackle. Video via @espn on X

What happened: The Detroit Lions picked offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson with the 17th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Make-A-Wish child Easton announced the pick on ESPN. The heartfelt moment highlighted partnerships with Make-A-Wish and ESPN Citizenship.

Why it matters: Miller bolsters Detroit's pass protection, a weakness in their 12-5 2025 campaign. His athleticism fits Dan Campbell's scheme, aiding a Super Bowl window. First-round O-line picks historically boost playoff odds for contenders like the Lions.

By the numbers: Lions 2025 record: 12-5, NFC North champs. Super Bowl pre-draft → post-pick. Miller 2025 college: 35 knockdowns, 86.4 PFF pass-block grade, 6.4% pressure rate allowed.

What to watch: Monitor Lions' No. 49 second-round pick for defensive depth. Miller's rookie minicamp reps key.

Sources

@espn 2026-04-24T01:58:04.666598+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

HQBreakingDetroit LionsBlake Miller

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →