NFL draft grades: Detroit Lions' Blake Miller pick

The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at pick No. 17 overall.

>While there was a feeling that the Lions might need to trade up in order to secure a top offensive tackle, the Lions wound up being able to stand pat and still landed a likely plug-and-play starter at pick No. 17.

>As fans get to know new offensive tackle Blake Miller, here's a look at some of the rapid reaction nationally to the Lions' first-round choice.

NFL draft grades: Marks roll in on Detroit Lions' Blake Miller pickUSA TODAY Sports: B

The Lions' need and desire to address the void at offensive tackle after Taylor Decker's release was obvious. Less clear, however, was just whom Brad Holmes would zero in on. Perhaps more people should have seen this one coming, though. Miller is experienced, astute and athletic with an optimal frame for handling NFL edge rushers. With the bulk of his experience coming at right tackle, however, this signals that Penei Sewell should be making the switch to the left side. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports

Yahoo! Sports: B

This is what the Lions needed to do: grab an offensive tackle with big upside who can start across from Penei Sewell immediately. This was an imperative for the Lions to upgrade given that this has been the strength of their offense over the past few years when they have been at their best. High-floor, high-upside pick for Detroit at a position of need. - Charles McDonald, Yahoo!

CBS: C

Miller is an explosive and experienced offensive tackle who will fit in perfectly with the culture they've built in Detroit. This likely confirms Penei Sewell to the left side as Miller was a four-year starter at right tackle. Why I went lower with the grade here is because it felt like the Lions prioritized readiness given their tackle need over best player available. - Mike Renner, CBS

New York Times: B+

Detroit needed an offensive tackle to replace stalwart Taylor Decker, and Miller (6-6 3/4, 317) looks like a strong successor. He started 54 games along the offensive line for Clemson, 52 of those starts coming at right tackle. This selection seems to confirm Detroit will move Penei Sewell to left tackle (and start Miller on the right side).

>Miller, a two-time first-team All-ACC selection, does have left tackle dimensions (34 1/4-inch arms, 83 7/8 wingspan), but it would be a tough flip as a rookie. I’m intrigued by why the Lions picked Miller over Caleb Lomu and Monroe Freeling, because they’re all considered in the same pool of OT candidates. - Scott Dochterman, New York Times

New York Post: C+

When left tackle Taylor Decker retired, the Lions’ No. 1 need became obvious. Miller made 54 career starts and comes out of central casting for the type of mauler and team-first guy that head coach Dan Campbell covets. - Ryan Dunleavy, New York Post

Lions Wire: A

I really like this pick for the Lions. After the way last season unfolded with the Lions' offensive line regression, Detroit needed to put an emphasis back on the offensive trenches early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Obviously, that need ramped up with the release of Taylor Decker.

>What does Brad Holmes do? He goes and lands an iron man in Blake Miller. That feels especially important for Detroit given some of the other injury concerns elsewhere across the Lions' roster.

>In his four-year Clemson career, Miller missed one day. And that one day was so he could have wrist surgery. Miller logged Clemson school records with 54 consecutive starts and 3,778 career snaps from scrimmage.

>Maybe it's drinking the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid, but the Lions got exactly what they needed in Round 1 and they didn't have to trade up in order to do so. Job well done. - Josh Helmer, Lions Wire

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>This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFL draft grades: Detroit Lions' Blake Miller pick