The Detroit Lions are defined in the trenches. At least, they were.
In 2025, the Lions saw their once-dominant offensive line drift far too close to league average. With veteran mainstays off the roster, the unit lost its identity. In key games, they weren't able to take over with physicality, like they did in 2024.
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes made sure that was no longer a problem in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Lions selected Clemson right tackle Blake Miller, re-establishing their identity as a physical team that prioritizes winning up front.
Dan Campbell gets his guy with Blake Miller draft pick
When the Lions released Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, they were left with a massive hole at offensive tackle. The core of the offensive line unit that had defined the Campbell era was gone, except for Penei Sewell.
Campbell and Holmes had to right the ship in the draft. They did exactly that with Miller.
The Lions have never been afraid to pick prospects nobody expects. They've done it with players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and now Miller. While the Clemson offensive tackle may not have been near the top of the board for many analysts, Detroit clearly saw him as a strong prospect.
The Clemson product is as solid as they come. He started multiple seasons for the Tigers, consistently holding down the right tackle spot. One of the top tackles in this year's class, he ranked 39th on FanSided's big board.
READ MORE: Lions 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Full list of picks, roster needs, targets, and more
Draft expert Mike Luciano said, "Miller has started 54 games in his college career at multiple o-line spots, and when that experience is paired with sublime technique and athletic ability that is sure to turn heads across the league, Miller should be able to work his into a Top 50 pick despite his choopy footwork and lack of amazing power when trying to open up holes in the run game."
Miller will slot in at the right tackle spot for the Lions, opposite Sewell. The interior will be filled out by Tate Ratledge, Cade Mays, and Christian Mahogany. That unit may not be the top offensive line in the NFL in 2026, but it's much closer to the elite group of days past than fans saw last season.
Campbell has established his vision, bringing this Lions team back to what it always should have been: a physical group defined by what it does at the line of scrimmage.
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