The Lions announced that they have signed their first-round pick, former Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller. As the 17th overall selection, Miller inked a fully guaranteed deal worth about $21.87MM over four years.
Detroit entered the draft in dire need of help at tackle after it released 10-year veteran Taylor Decker, its starter on the left side since 2016. The Lions attempted to move up in a trade with the Rams, who held the 13th pick, but were rebuffed. It is unknown if the Lions would have taken Miller at 13, but regardless, they landed on him four choices later.
Whether the 6-foot-7, 317-pound Miller takes over for Decker will depend on how the Lions handle all-world right tackle Penei Sewell, who could shift to the left. Either way, the Lions are expecting Miller to emerge as a long-term starter.
If Miller is going to step into the lineup immediately, he will have to beat out Larry Borom, a former Bear and Dolphin who arrived in free agency. Borom has never been a full-time NFL starter during his five-year career, which bodes well for Miller. A two-time second-team All-ACC blocker, Miller started in all 54 games (52 at right tackle) with the Tigers from 2022-25. He broke the school record in offensive snaps (3,778) along the way.
With Miller under contract, the Lions have now signed all of their 2026 draft picks. Here is a refresher on their seven-player class:
- Round 1, No. 17: Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
- Round 2, No. 44 (from Cowboys): Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
- Round 4, No. 118: Jimmy Rolder (LB, Michigan)
- Round 5, No. 157: Keith Abney II (CB, Arizona State)
- Round 5, No. 168 (from Bills): Kendrick Law (WR, Kentucky)
- Round 6, No. 205 (from Jaguars): Skyler Gill-Howard (DT, Texas Tech)
- Round 7, No. 222 (from Browns): Tyre West (DT, Tennessee)