After months of intensive scouting and preparation leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes finally had a moment to relax after making the team’s first two selections across the opening days of the event.

Holding the No. 17 overall pick, Detroit chose Blake Miller, marking the first time the franchise had used a first-round selection on an offensive lineman since drafting Penei Sewell seventh overall in 2021.

The organization hopes Miller can develop into another cornerstone piece along the offensive line.

Holmes expressed strong confidence in the pick, noting that Miller’s reliability and skill set give the team peace of mind about its investment.

Detroit continued addressing the trenches on Day 2. The Lions traded up six spots to select Derrick Moore at No. 44 overall, sending picks 50 and 128 to the New York Jets to secure him.

The team had been searching for another pass rusher to complement Pro Bowl edge defender Aidan Hutchinson. Moore became the first player from the University of Michigan selected by Detroit since Hutchinson went No. 2 overall in the 2022 draft.

For years, fans had pushed the front office to find a high-level edge rusher to line up opposite Hutchinson, and Moore could potentially fill that role. Holmes explained that Moore matches the physical profile the Lions want at the position, noting his ability to set the edge against the run while also showing significant improvement as a pass rusher. Like Miller, Moore had been on the team’s scouting radar for quite some time.

In Miller, Detroit believes it has found a potential long-term starter at right tackle. His size, athleticism, and aggressive blocking style could help stabilize an offensive line that struggled during the 2025 season. The Lions have also considered shifting Sewell to left tackle in 2026, which would align well with Miller’s experience—97% of his snaps during his four-year college career came at right tackle, where he started all 54 games.

The Lions made several changes to their offensive line earlier in the offseason, releasing veteran linemen Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow in March while also bringing in three new linemen through free agency.

According to Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke, Miller’s consistency and dedication stand out. He started 54 straight games during his college career, rarely missing practices, and is viewed as both a dependable player and a strong presence in the locker room and community.

Holmes and Detroit’s scouting department have evaluated Miller closely over the past three years, and they believe he still has significant room to grow. The team expects his presence to help improve protection for quarterback Jared Goff.

Holmes said the organization already feels confident Miller can develop into a starting-caliber tackle, but believes his long-term ceiling could be even higher based on the progress he has shown during his college career.

Improving pass protection is a priority for Detroit. Last season, the Lions finished with the second-worst Pass Block Win Rate in the NFL at 56%, ranking ahead of only the Los Angeles Chargers at 54%. According to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats, Goff’s Total QBR dropped dramatically when under pressure—falling to 14 compared with 76 when he had a clean pocket. Only Mac Jones experienced a larger drop-off.

Shortly after being drafted, Miller heard from several of his new teammates, including Goff, Sewell, and second-year lineman Tate Ratledge, welcoming him to the team.

Miller said his primary focus is simply to arrive and work as hard as possible every day—whether in training, practice, or studying film—to become the best player he can be and contribute wherever the team needs him.

He arrived at Detroit’s practice facility Friday afternoon after making the roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive from his hometown of Strongsville, Ohio, located near Cleveland. Miller traveled with his parents, Karen and Chris, along with his girlfriend, Kylie Jicha.

After enjoying the excitement of draft night, Miller said he is eager to get started.

His physical style and attitude align with Detroit’s plan to rebuild a younger offensive line and regain the identity that fueled the team’s success during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During that span, the Lions posted a 27–7 record, largely driven by their ability to control games on the ground.

Holmes emphasized that Miller’s commitment to sustaining blocks and staying engaged in the run game makes him a natural fit for Detroit’s offensive philosophy, adding that he considered Miller one of the strongest run-blocking tackles available in this draft class.