Detroit Lions pick Blake Miller, Clemson OT, 17th in 2026 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions’ offensive line makeover is complete.

The Lions took Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23.

Miller is the fifth new lineman the Lions have added to their offensive front this offseason, along with free agent Cade Mays, Larry Borom and Ben Bartch and trade acquisition Juice Scruggs.

The Lions reached the NFC championship game in 2023 and won a franchise-record 15 games in 2024 with one of the best lines in football. But that unit struggled at times last season, when the Lions missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

This spring, the Lions have focused on rebuilding the line with an eye on adding depth and youth.

They cut long-time starters Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, signed Mays to a three-year deal to be their starting center, added Borom, a Michigan native, on a one-year deal as a potential starter at right tackle and have talked openly about moving All-Pro Penei Sewell from right to left tackle.

Miller, 22, was among the most seasoned linemen in the draft.

He started 54 games in his four-year career at Clemson and set a school record for most snaps from scrimmage (3,778). A two-time first-team All-ACC pick, he never missed a game in his college career.

Miller played exclusive right tackle for the Tigers and should compete with Borom for the starting job this fall.

The Lions have eight picks remaining in the draft, including the 50th overall pick in the second round, and seven choices on Day 3. They have two picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, and one in Round 7, and have needs to address at defensive end, tight end, linebacker and in the secondary.

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This story was updated to change the video.

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