After a downturn in performance last season, the Detroit Lions' offensive line will look to get back to among the best in the league this year with a new configuration. Most notable on that front is that Penei Sewell is moving from right to left tackle, which leaves veteran Larry Borum and rookie first-round pick Blake Miller to compete for the starting job at right tackle during camp.
Miller comes to the NFL with a ton of experience as a four-year starter at Clemson, and that was an obvious differentiator for the Lions. Being in a win-now window means they can't wait throughsomeone's growing pains, and Miller shouldn't have much trouble beating Borum out in the competition to replace Sewell.
Frankly, it would be surprising and disappointing if Miller is not the Lions' starting right tackle Week 1. The Lions need it to happen.
Lions 'bold' training camp prediction is a must along the offensive line
Among his eight bold predictions for 2026 training camp, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon has Miller winning the start job at right tackle.
"I'll bet Miller easily wins the job ahead of Week 1," Gagnon writes.
"For starters, Miller should be more than ready after starting 54 games and playing a school-record 3,778 snaps at Clemson. There's of course room for improvement, but he's got the requisite speed, explosiveness and technique to be a factor out of the gate. He's a tremendous fit for this organization in general, and it says a lot that only Borom was brought in to provide competition."
Gagnon noted how Borum was likely signed as an insurance policy for an inevitable early offensive tackle draft pick, and that's how it still looks, even if it's theoretically an open camp competition at right tackle between him and Miller. Ideally, Borum will be the Lions' swing tackle after viable depth there has been an issue.
Gagnon nailed the bottom line when it comes to Miller, and the expectations attached to him.
"If the Lions were concerned about Miller's ability to step up from the get-go, a team in win-now mode would have invested more deeply in the position in free agency after the draft. They know they nailed it with this pick, and I'm expecting it to pay dividends quickly."
It can generally feel bold for someone to predict a rookie will win a starting job. But Miller was a top-20 overall pick, and the Lions clearly chose him over other available offensive tackle options with an automatic expectation that he'll start right away. If the Lions end up starting Borum, they could have a problem.
Now it's up to Miller to show he's the best man for the job during camp, and he should do so.
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