When the Detroit Lions used the No. 17 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on offensive tackle Blake Miller, the move was seen as safe and calculated. General manager Brad Holmes was clearly leaning back into the trenches-first identity that had carried his team through the last half-decade.
After 54 preseason snaps, Miller has already proved that Holmes made the right decision. He's been as reliable as Detroit hoped he would be, grabbing hold of the starting right tackle job immediately. Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic listed him as one of the NFL's biggest rookie winners this preseason.
Baumgardner said, "The Lions expected Miller to compete with veteran Larry Borom at right tackle, opposite Penei Sewell. That really hasn’t happened, as Miller simply took the job and hasn’t let go. He’s a better athlete than former Lions OT Taylor Decker and a potential upgrade as a run blocker."
Blake Miller has been everything the Lions expected this preseason
With Miller on the right, Penei Sewell on the left, and Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany set to improve on the interior, the Lions' offensive line could reclaim its place as one of the league's best units.
As should be expected with any rookie, Miller has had a few hiccups this preseason. He allowed three pressures across his two appearances, though none of them turned into sacks.
But outside of a few negative plays, the rookie has been stellar. He's been strong in the running game and consistent as a pass blocker. While he was expected to battle Borom for a spot in the starting lineup, he's made it clear from his first snaps that he's ready for the role. He's generally faded into the background, which is a good thing for an offensive lineman.
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As Dan Campbell said after Detroit's preseason opener, "I didn't feel like my eyes were ever on he or Larry (Borom). And that's a positive. That's a pretty good sign. They're handling their business because I didn't feel like we had any issues on the perimeter with those two guys in there. But I thought (Miller) did a good job."
The Lions are putting a lot on Miller's plate early in his career, immediately trusting him with the starting right tackle spot. He'll be a key factor in helping the offensive line return to its dominant state this season.
If his preseason performances are any indication, Lions fans have nothing to worry about with the rookie lineman.
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