Blake Miller: Lions' Top Tackle, Owned by Culture

0:00On April 24th, Detroit Lions snag Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Straight out the gate at his intro presser in Allen Park, he dropped his gym, comparison is the thief of joy. When asked how he measures up to the other top tackles taken on day one, Miller kept it real, saying he just focused on being the best version of, himself, every day. Naturally, folks will stack him against picks like George's Monroe Freeling, who went to the Carolina Panthers just two spots later. But Miller shrugged it off, stressing that no two players are the same. It's all about maximizing your strengths, minimizing weaknesses, and owning your role, no matter what. Lions GM Brad Holmes is all in on Miller, calling him a good starting tackle right away with high conviction. He loves the kid's athleticism, tenacity, and that finisher mentality, playing through the whistle. College coach Dable Swinney backed it up, saying Miller's a six foot six, three seventeen

1:04pound freak, made in a lap for this position. Miller's work ethics screens Lions culture, from his strong will high days to logging the most snaps in Clemson history as a four year starter. Driving from Ohio to Allen Park with family, he was buzzing with gratitude, hitting up texts from new teammates like Penny Soule, Tate Ratlidge, and Jarrett Golf. Now in Detroit, Miller's got the spotlight to shine as the top tackle in his class. But he's locked in on just being his absolute best, letting the rest fall into place. You've been listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage.