The Detroit Lions finally made their first pick of 2026 official on Thursday night, upgrading their offensive line with the selection of tackle Blake Miller out of Clemson.
Miller comes to Detroit as one of the more polished players in the tackle class given the number of starts he has under his belt in college. More than his experience, he also has a mindset which fits the organization and coaching staff very well.
During his career in college, Miller has proven a very durable leader, not missing much time due to injury or any other ailment. It takes a certain level of toughness and grit to make that happen, which is something the rookie already understands and seems ready to embrace.
After Miller got word he was joining the Lions, he hopped on a conference call with reporters, and was asked various questions about his new team. When it came to what has impressed him the most, as Brad Galli of WXYZ revealed, he cited the bedrock principles that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have established in Detroit from day one.
"I just love the culture (of) this organization. I love the grit. I love the toughness that's emphasized kind of (being) on the outside looking in. I just really want to uphold that standard."
It's been said that the Lions have a type when they select players in the draft, and it's very obvious that Miller already fits that type like a glove. It isn't a stretch to say that already being programmed with some of those traits are non-negotiable when it comes to the front office more than any football ability.
Miller excited to work alongside Penei Sewell on Lions' offensive line
Not only is Miller thrilled to join an organization that he believes fits him like a glove, but he is also fired up to get a chance to play with one of the best offensive tackles in football on his other side.
Since coming into the league in 2021, Sewell has cemented himself as one of the top players in the game up front. During the 2026 NFL combine, Miller was asked what offensive linemen he likes to mold his game after. Naturally, Sewell was the answer as Crunch Time Sports revealed on X for a few very specific reasons.
"I think his physicality, finishing blocks, his nastiness is awesome. Also too, he's athletic. He gets out on the perimeter, gets to the second level, gets to the third level (and) makes blocks down the field."
READ MORE: Brad Holmes' explanation for Blake Miller pick will make Lions fans ecstatic
After being drafted to the Lions, Miller was even more excited to have Sewell as a teammate for the near future. As he said, he is looking forward to being able to learn more tricks of the trade from the Pro Bowl and All-Pro lineman.
New #Lions OT Blake Miller says "I can't wait" to play with Penei Sewell.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) April 24, 2026
"There's so much stuff that he does incredibly well...just to be able to sit in the same room as him and be on the same field as him and pick his brain...I can't wait."
Already, Miller has many of the same attributes that have made Sewell and other Lions linemen very successful through the years. He's durable and tough, which are two things that simply cannot be taught in football. It's nice to see he is already fired up by the idea of representing that standard every day.
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