For weeks leading up to the NFL draft, we've spoken about Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes' propensity for trading up to snag a player he loves. It doesn't matter if that player fits a need or not, but simply if Holmes thinks that player is a difference maker for the Lions.
This year, while Holmes told reporters in his pre-draft availability that he'd still consider taking the best player available at 17th overall and consider all options, he went with the safest pick imaginable: Blake Miller at right tackle.
That's fantastic news for Detroit's longterm outlook, especially with Jared Goff not getting any younger and with the Lions' contention window being quite open despite a 9-8 season in 2025. Miller is a large presence being added back to their line, and his selection allows for Detroit to swap Penei Sewell over to left tackle. Their line now looks like Miller-Ratledge-Mays-Mahogany-Sewell.
That's a humongous improvement on their 2025 depth chart, which makes this pick even sweeter. No trade ups were necessary, and no head-scratching picks were made by Holmes. And yet...
Lions still get snubbed despite going the safe route
CBS Sports' Mike Renner gave the Lions a C on this pick, his reasoning being that Detroit opted for...the safe pick.
"Miller is an explosive and experienced offensive tackle who will fit in perfectly with the culture they've built in Detroit. This likely confirms Penei Sewell to the left side as Miller was a four-year starter at right tackle. Why I went lower with the grade here is because it felt like the Lions prioritized readiness given their tackle need over best player available."
Is prioritizing readiness really a fair knock? Miller was an iron man for Clemson, playing through injury to set records for snaps taken at the line of scrimmage for them, while also only allowing two sacks in his final year with the Tigers.
READ MORE: Lions 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Full list of picks, roster needs, targets, and more
So yes, Miller is very ready to compete and grow into an NFL-ready tackle. That's saying a ton more than a few other potential Lions targets, such as Caleb Lomu or Kadyn Proctor: two tackles that are already being projected as future guards.
Detroit coud've gone for a top pass rusher at 17th overall, like Keldrick Faulk, T.J. Parker, or Malachi Lawrence. They could've gone safety, too, with Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren still on the board when they were on the clock. But, taking Miller ensures they don't experience any further turnover at a huge position of need for years to come.
This was a safe pick. And it was a good one.
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