Lions ideal first-round pick would create dream scenario along offensive line

After two years atop the NFC North, Detroit stumbled a bit in 2025 and collapsed in the second half of the season, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. More than anything, it felt frustrating to watch the team rather than a feeling of sadness or anger.

The talent is there, as this roster is at worst a top-5 unit in the entire league. General Manager Brad Holmes has hit on a slew of draft picks to help bring this franchise into contender status. Not only that, but the coaching is top tier, and the quarterback play has been elite for years.

Injuries were the main culprit for Detroit and even a huge reason why the team didn't go far in the playoffs back in 2024. Suddenly, though, there is a pretty noticeable hole along the offensive line following the Taylor Decker departure, but with it being likely that Penei Sewell heads to left tackle, this right tackle prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft would fit right in and honestly makes too much sense.

Clemson's Blake Miller is an extremely logical fit for the Detroit Lions in Round 1

I am sincerely struggling to find a singular reason why Clemson's Blake Miller would not be a perfect fit for the team in Round 1:

Miller checks all the boxes, but the durability and character really stand out as it pertains to Detroit. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled one of the more rugged, tough cultures in the NFL, and Miller seems to be one of those culture guys.

He didn't miss any games at Clemson and started 54 total games, with 53 being at right tackle. The size is there, as well - Miller is 6-7 with arms measuring over 34 inches. There is a bit of development to be had, but he's just 22 years old and will be 22 throughout his entire rookie season.

Given the Lions' elite offensive line coaching with Hank Fraley, Miller's chances of success are high. This isn't some fourth-round traits-based prospect we're talking about here. Miller is every bit of a Round 1-caliber prospect and would be a day one starter in Detroit.

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This would also completely shut the door on and more tackle drama. Sewell is capable of being an elite left tackle, and given that he is still young, a potential duo of Sewell and Miller could exist for over a decade in Detroit.

And while the Lions could get by without a Round 1 tackle, the trenches have always been a huge point of emphasis in the Campbell/Holmes era, so their history would absolutely indicate this position could be on the table.

The Lions seem to have some level of interest in Kadyn Proctor, a tackle from Alabama, but it's not even a guarantee that he stays at tackle. Some have pushed him inside to guard due to weight concerns.

This is the first round of the NFL Draft, so the Lions have to be careful here. It's clear that the front office has to fill a right tackle spot, so why not draft a legitimate right tackle...?

There are many other tackle prospects in this class who the Lions could take. They could opt for someone in the middle of the draft who profiles as a more developmental player, but with Miller and the Lions currently being in a win-now window, the fit could not be more perfect.