Blake Miller might be one of the more polarizing picks from this year's NFL Draft.
Some feel the Lions hit the mark by taking him at 17th overall. Others feel they took the lesser of three tackles available to Detroit at that position, passing on Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor.
One thing you can't say about this Lions draft class? That the team ignored its biggest needs at offensive tackle and pass rusher. The selections were boring, and that's exactly why they work: Detroit went for need and for a cultural fit, and both Miller and Derrick Moore fit that bill.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler was certainly impressed by the Lions' Miller pick, and he already expects greatness out of Detroit's next tackle tandem.
"Miller is a plug-and-play right tackle who doesn’t miss time and consistently executes. At some point in the not-too-distant future, expect debates about just how high the Lions’ bookend tackles (Penei Sewell and Miller) should rank in the NFL."
Detroit could have top tackle duo if draft expert's take becomes reality
It wasn't that long ago that the Lions' offensive line of Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, and Penei Sewell was one of the best lines in the league, if not the best. They were a huge part of the success seen that season from Detroit's offense, which ranked atop the league in points scored, yards gained, and percentage of drives that ended in a score.
Their run game was a huge part of that success, and the lanes generated for Jahmyr GIbbs and David Montgomery that season were unreal. With a new-look line headed into 2026, featuring Miller and Sewell at the ends and an up and coming interior line, you'd have to imagine that Detroit could get close to their 2024 heights if all goes to plan.
Lions fans have to hope that Brugler is right about the future of this duo. Miller shouldn't be expected to have an All-Pro season as a rookie, but learning from one of the best to do it in Sewell while getting coached up by Hank Fraley should be a great recipe for early success.
READ MORE: Here's where the Lions are currently picking in the 2027 Draft
Brugler also wrote that the pick that could really surprise is, you guessed it, Keith Abney II. It really does feel like he can be a great contributor as a depth cornerback in 2026, with Brugler writing:
"Jimmy Rolder is an ascending linebacker, and Kendrick Law has big-play potential. But Abney gives the Lions quality depth at a key position and presented tremendous value in Round 5. His competitive toughness will make him easy to appreciate."
Detroit's draft might be average on paper, but under the hood, they successfully added on the margins - and especially helped to finalize their rebuild of a previously crumbling offensive line.
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