Getty

Lions' general manager Brad Holmes had high praise for rookie offensive lineman Blake Miller

The Detroit Lions have made a lot of changes this offseason, which shouldn’t necessarily come as much of a surprise considering how the team is fresh off missing the playoffs entirely in 2025. While it was certainly a disappointing campaign, there’s good reason to believe that Detroit can bounce back when it eventually returns to action.

Perhaps the spot that has seen the most change over the past few months for the Lions is their offensive line. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow are no longer in town, with former Clemson Tigers star Blake Miller being selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to come in and help replace them. While some folks believe that the Lions selected Miller too early in the first round, general manager Brad Holmes offered a rave review of the standout tackle.

Brad Holmes Gushes Over Blake Miller

Miller was a four-starter for Clemson along their offensive line, which was the biggest thing he had going for him ahead of the draft. While other players at his position were believed to have higher ceilings than Miller when it comes to their potential, the overarching belief is that he can come in and be an immediate starter for the Lions in Week 1.

After primarily playing right tackle in college, some folks also wondered how Miller would react if he were to be used as a left tackle in the pros. At least to start, though, he will begin at his native right tackle position, with the perennial All-Pro Penei Sewell making the move over to left tackle in 2026.

Seeing Miller come off the board with the No. 17 overall pick was a bit surprising, but Detroit clearly felt good about his ability to come in and immediately produce for years to come. Holmes knows the selection of Miller is viewed as a bit of a reach, but he recently offered some high praise of the team’s new starting right tackle when discussing the team’s decision to bring him to town.

“He just checked all the boxes,” Holmes said of Miller on “Good Morning Football.” “When you get into his intangibles, his makeup, what he believes in, this guy is a Lion. We were thrilled to land him.”

Lions Expect Blake Miller to Contribute Right Away in 2026

GettyThe Detroit Lions have selected Blake Miller as their No. 17 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Typically, rookies have to earn their starting job in the NFL, but Miller is going to be thrown right into the action, unless something crazy happens during training camp. Making the jump to the pros is always easier said than done, but Miller’s starting experience from his collegiate career should serve him well.

Expectations are going to be high for Miller, largely because Detroit’s offense is expected to return to form in 2025. There may be some growing pains along the way, but based on his tape from college, Miller should be a solid plug-and-play starter for the Lions. If he can’t deliver the goods, though, his new team could experience a frustrating season that closely resembles what it endured last year.