The Detroit Lions made one of the more debated moves in last year's NFL draft when they selected offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick. So far, Miller has looked solid up front as part of a rebuilt offensive line.
At the time, though, there was an intense discourse about whether the Lions should select a different tackle in Monroe Freeling. Ironically, Freeling went two picks after Miller to the Carolina Panthers
So far, the Lions look to have made the right choice for them. Miller has stepped in and looked the part of a solid player. In both games he has played, Detroit has won and been solid on offense. When Miller was out, the entire operation struggled against the Buffalo Bills.
Freeling, on the other hand, has been far more inconsistent to start his career in Carolina. He endured a poor Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, and has felt more like a rookie than Miller has early on. It appears as if Miller is the more polished, NFL ready product between the two at this point in time, which is exactly what the Lions needed.
He's also in concussion protocol ahead of Week 4, but head coach Dave Canales said he hopes to have him back for this game.
Dan Campbell discussed the intersection of Miller and Freeling in the draft last year, and admitted that each player offered similar things the Lions valued. In the end, Miller simply had more experience at tackle, which is why he ended up as the selection.
"We held both in high regard. There was so much to it. High grades on both. What they're able to do, the athleticism, the length, the power in the run game, all those things. Blake had taken a ton of reps. That was a little bit more of what it came to. Freeling is doing a good job and he's going to continue to grow just like our guy is. The more reps you get, the better you get. So that's really what it came down to, just more experience over a four-year period starting at tackle, Both really good tackles, athletic, traits, skill, all of it."
Considering where they were drafted, Miller and Freeling are likely to always be compared. It looks as if the Lions got the player they wanted and it has worked out well for the franchise.
Miller's relentless pursuit of perfection makes him ideal for Lions
While the decision between Miller and Freeling may have been close on the outside, the truth is, Detroit's pick has already shown much more on the field and off than many of the competitors in his class, both drafted higher and lower.
After his first game of the year, Miller was asked by the media to grade his performance. He launched into a very detailed assessment on what he felt he needed to change in both run blocking and pass protection, and how excited he was to find fixes.
"I could go on forever about things I want to improve. I think it's satisfying to see progress from preseason games to that first game. There's plenty to clean up from a technique standpoint. Being under control on certain blocks, knowing when I can and can't run off the ball and really get into guys versus being a little more controlled (and) have my feet under me."
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"Pass protection, I felt like there were some reps I could have anchored a bull rush quicker, taking a smarter set. Just continuing to learn the offense, when I can and can't be aggressive with my sets. I could go on forever, but there's plenty of clean up. To me that's the fun part. Going week after week (and) being able to see yourself after a season and be like, 'Wow, I improved this much and I became a better player because of the work.' That's satisfying."
The Lions maintained after the draft that Miller had the right makeup for them. The way he has played and the way he has talked about his craft so far shows why he tipped the scales for Detroit. As the months have gone by, it's only looked like a more fantastic decision.
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