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The Lions get a new starting offensive tackle by selecting Clemson’s Blake Miller in SB Nation’s Community Mock Draft
by Michael PetersonApr 17, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 20: Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during a college football game between the Syracuse Orange and the Clemson Tigers on September 20, 2025 at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWelcome back to another year of the SB Nation Community Mock Draft!
As we do every draft season, all 32 NFL sites at SB Nation come together to fill out an entire first-round mock draft leading up to the actual event that takes place from April 23-25. One by one, our site managers will make their picks and provide their reasoning behind the selection. From there, I will provide further analysis on top of giving a final opinion on the pick!
Without further ado, let’s keep things rolling!
With the 17th overall pick in the 2026 SB Nation Community Mock Draft, Pride of Detroit’s Erik Schlitt and the Detroit Lions select Blake Miller, offensive tackle, Clemson!
Schlitt’s analysis:
Erik SchlittStar5dNFL
SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: With the 17th pick, the Detroit Lions select…
Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
The Lions have prioritized revamping their offensive line this offseason, and adding a starting offensive tackle in the first round could be the final piece to their offseason puzzle. Coach Dan Campbell has stated that the team is open to moving All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle if the right RT presents himself, and Miller would certainly meet those qualifications.
While still just 22 years old, Miller has an impressive 54 starts at RT at Clemson and is arguably the most consistent and ready-to-play OT in this draft class. His combination of size (6-foot-7, 318 pounds), toughness, athleticism (9.90 RAS), football intelligence, and leadership form a very appealing prospect for the Lions, but it’s his gritty demeanor that makes him a perfect fit. Miller simply doesn’t take shortcuts in his work ethic, as he is unwilling to let his team down. This is most clearly evidenced by the fact that he missed just one practice during his entire four years at Clemson (due to having wrist surgery) and was back on the field the following day.
LikeRec 8CommentsThin Stroke Comment Icon BubbleReplyRead 15 repliesMy analysis: I really like this pick for the Lions. Miller seems like a great fit on a Dan Campbell football team and should fit nicely into the culture of Detroit.
Miller is a bit of a polarizing prospect in that some believe he’s too inconsistent in his fundamentals compared to the other top tackles, while the other side of the scouting community sees an elite athlete with prototypical size who will be available whenever you need him. Starting 54 games is no joke.
On top of that, Miller’s skillset should translate very well to the Lions offense, which utilizes play-action as much as anyone in the league. Miller can get on his horse and be a real obstacle in the run game, cutting off backside three-techniques and reaching outside shades play-side.
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