Friday, March 6, 2026

2026 Lions Draft Pick #17 OT Blake Miller

Scouting Reports:









ESPN (Pre-Draft Analysis - Miller is long and enters the draft decorated, earning first-team all-ACC honors in 2024 and 2025. He broke the Clemson career snaps record (3,778) while starting 54 games. He has the prototypical NFL tackle frame and tested well at the combine. On film, Miller will sometimes lunge at defenders, causing him to play off-balance and whiff on blocks. And he could improve the consistency of his punch. Miller doesn't have great foot quickness to redirect, and sometimes, his lack of flexibility can lead to average run blocking. His length in pass protection comes in handy, though, as he is very hard to run around. -- Scouts Inc.  Matt Miller's pro comp: Jordan Morgan.  Post-Draft Analysis - The offensive tackle run is officially underway. Miller was a 54-game starter at tackle for Clemson and is a rock on the right side of the line. This seems to signal that Penei Sewell will indeed make the flip to left tackle and replace Taylor Decker. But Sewell has shown in previous seasons that he'll be elite no matter which side he's on. Miller is as plug-and-play as you can get thanks to his experience at Clemson and his great arm length at 34 1/4 inches. -- Miller):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds

CBS (Pro Comparison: Trevor Penning - Summary:  Miller was a Week 1 starter as a true freshman for the Tigers in 2022 and has played 3,762 career snaps since. All but 125 of those have come at right tackle. He saw his pressure numbers dwindle every season of his career as he consistently cleaned up bad habits over that span. If that upward trajectory continues with his explosive traits, he’s an easy starter projection. About - Career: Three-time All-ACC (first team 2024–25, third team 2023).  Career: Clemson record-holder for snaps from scrimmage (3,778 in 54 games, all starts).  Strengths:  Solidly built; not much bad weight on his frame..  Gets off the ball and into defenders in a hurry in the run game. Easy depth in sets to match speedier rushers.  Weaknesses:  Plays high in most aspects of the position.  Lacks fluidity in his hips to ride defenders who get to his edges. Often struggled to alter course in space and find defenders as a puller.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/

Yahoo (Scouting Report - Nate Tice's scouting report: Miller has locked down the right side of Clemson’s offensive line for nearly threescores of games (54 career starts!) and is a very good athlete who maximizes his quickness and length with heady play. Miller plays upright, but still makes it work because he’s such a smooth mover. His long arms can get too wide and he can be all over the place with his strike point. If he can keep tightening his hands, it will help his balance and ability to engage even more.  He looks like he can be a good starter at the right tackle spot because of his brisk movement and length, especially on a zone-heavy team. With the added bonus that he’s not a total nothing in pass protection.  Charles McDonald's scouting report: Clemson’s offense struggled at times this past season, but it wasn’t due to its offensive line play. For the first time in his entire tenure, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has an offensive tackle prospect who is drawing the attention of NFL scouts in the first round of the draft.  Miller has primarily played on the right side of the line, but he has the athleticism to cleanly make a move over to the left if his future team wants.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft/results/

Tony Pauline (Strengths:  Nice-sized right tackle prospect who is best in a small area. Sets with a wide base, quickly sets up in pass protection and immediately gets his hands into opponents. Keeps his head on a swivel and works well with linemates. Big-bodied blocker who blocks down on defenders or smothers them from the action altogether. Stays square and seals defenders from the action, keeps his feet moving and makes good use of angles.  Weaknesses:  Stiff in pass protection, marginally effective in motion and does not play like a top athlete.  Analysis:  Miller is a hard-working lineman with both size as well as growth potential who is coming off a disappointing season. He possesses an upside and is worth considering on day three of the draft, though Miller may never be anything other than an occasional starter on Sundays.):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-draft-board/

Overall and Positional RankingBoards:


Video:

Video of Clemson's Pro Day. I saw three Lions scouts: Roth, Hudspeth and the guy in the beige Lions hat (Still don't know who he is). DT Peter Woods, OT Blake Miller and QB Klubnik are the big names there:  https://youtu.be/M2Lfyk3QlhQ?si=CbwJKajBgIfiytP3

Blake Miller's 2026 NFL Scouting Combine Workout:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/blake-miller-s-2026-nfl-scouting-combine-workout

Blake Miller records 9'5" broad, 32" vertical jump at 2026 combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/blake-miller-records-9-5-broad-32-vertical-jump-at-2026-combine


The legacy of Blake Miller is one of dependability and durability (11-8-26):  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-ehNFT4ldsk

Articles:

2026 NFL Draft: QB Carson Beck Headlines 'Plant the Flag' Prospects (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson: The draft process is very much like a beauty pageant, with scouts frequently opting for the bigger, faster and stronger prospects over talented technicians. Miller might be the best of both worlds as a workout warrior with a polished overall game due to his extensive experience as a 54-game starter at Clemson. Measuring 6-foot-6, 317 pounds with 34¼-inch arms and elite athletic traits (5.04-second 40-yard dash time, 32.5-inch vertical jump and 9-feet-5-inch broad jump at the combine), Miller possesses the length and agility to shadowbox defenders on the edges. Additionally, he displays outstanding footwork, balance and body control, executing "skip pulls" on running plays to climb to defenders on the second level. With few blockers matching his flawless footwork and hand-to-hand combat skills, Miller could emerge as the standout among his peers when we check back in on the 2026 class down the road.) (4-23-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-qb-carson-beck-leads-plant-flag-prospects

Prediction: The Detroit Lions will walk out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with one of these 10 players (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  The most Dan Campbell-type guy in the entire draft, probably. The big thing here is that he’s been starting at right tackle since he was a freshman at Clemson. He’s ready to go right now. Really good at pass blocking and ok at run blocking. You have to wonder if the Lions are ok with ok.) (4-22-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/prediction-the-detroit-lions-will-walk-out-of-the-first-round-of-the-2026-nfl-draft-with-one-of-these-10-players/

The Most Pro-Ready Prospect at Every Position in the 2026 NFL Draft (Offensive tackle - Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller enters the NFL Draft as a 54-game starter. The Strongsville, Ohio native possesses 34.25-inch arms and blocks in pass protection with the confidence and calmness of a right tackle who is as experienced as he is. Miller will be a first-round pick on Thursday and he'll likely be a Week 1 problem-solver for his professional offense.) (4-22-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/the-most-pro-ready-prospect-at-every-position-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

Why Blake Miller to Lions makes sense at No. 17 overall (4-21-26):  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/blake-miller-lions-nfl-draft

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects who make sense for Lions at 17 (8. T Blake Miller, Clemson:  The nice thing about having a versatile All-Pro player like Penei Sewell is his ability to play both right and left tackle, which gives the Lions a lot of flexibility. Miller played a ton of right tackle with 54 college starts under his belt. He started every game Clemson played in his entire four-year career. Miller is athletic and moves well in space. The fact that he was a high school wrestler shows up in his game. He broke the Clemson record for career snaps from scrimmage, playing 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 career games (all starts) from 2022-25.) (4-21-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-10-prospects-detroit-lions-pick-17-freeling-faulk-mccoy

2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 32 prospects based on their college football careers (18. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  The four-year starter earned all-conference or All-America honors in all four seasons as a starter at Clemson, where he set the school record with 54 straight starts. Durable, dependable and elite, he played more than 2,800 snaps in his career at Clemson. That's hard to replicate in college football, especially across four straight seasons.):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/nfl-draft-2026-prospect-rankings-college-careers/

Top 10 players fans are mock drafting to the Lions (Not in the top-10:  Clemson OT Blake Miller (13th, 1.0% of selections) — One of our favorite fits in Detroit, ESPN mockers have him going way later in the draft.) (4-20-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/162106/top-10-players-fans-mock-drafting-detroit-lions-1st-round

Lions 1st-round draft prospects: Rules of Thumb (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Thumbs up: NFL-ready starting right tackle with years of experience in a pro-style offense, showing significant technical growth in his final season. His sky-high RAS score indicates more athletic upside, and Miller is a clear Grit Fit on and off the field for Detroit. Thumbs down: Miller is still stiffer in gait and more methodical with his hands than ideal, even after showing improvement in 2025 at both. He’s a right-tackle only who could very well top out as a slightly above-average but reliable starter, a la one-time Lions first-rounder Riley Reiff.  Thumbs twiddling: Nearly all mock drafts indicate Miller projects to be available for the Lions at No. 17 overall. ) (4-20-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/04/19/lions-1st-round-draft-prospects-rules-of-thumb/

Roundtable: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Preview (2. Who will be the pick at No. 17? Booher: If they stand pat and Fano isn't available, I could see the team going for either Miami EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor or one of the other offensive tackles, be it Georgia's Monroe Freeling, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor or Clemson's Blake Miller. For the sake of predictions, I'll say Proctor if it's not Fano.) (4-19-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/roundtable-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-preview


25 Best NFL Draft Fits For the Lions Ranked by Round and Impact (8. OT Blake Miller:  The Clemson product checks a lot of boxes up front, starting with intangibles, size and football IQ. Evaluators believe that his quickness off the ball can account for some struggles with hand usage and playing too upright at times. He's very durable and has the experience to come in, learn the playbook and compete for a starting job early.) (4-17-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/25-best-nfl-draft-fits-for-lions-ranked-by-round-impact-2026

2026 NFL Draft top offensive linemen (9. T Blake Miller, Clemson:  Miller improved incrementally every year as a starter at Clemson, going from liability to anchor on the offensive line. His technique in pass pro is outstanding, but he lacks power and physical presence in the run game.) (4-16-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/2026-nfl-draft-top-offensive-linemen/

This Round 1 is built for chaos: 10 bold predictions that could hit (6. Nine OL come off the board - This year is the "draft good players regardless of positional value" kind of draft, but I still think we're going to see a lot of offensive linemen come off the board. If teams are going to take swings based on potential, they're more likely to do it at premium positions, and this offensive line class has a ton of potential. Tackles like Georgia's Monroe Freeling, Utah's Caleb Lomu and Arizona State's Max Iheanachor could be superstars down the line with the right development, while interior linemen like Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Utah's Spencer Fano and Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane could be instant plug-and-play starters. Add in Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, Clemson's Blake Miller and Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, and you get nine linemen in the first round, the most since 2024.) (4-15-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-bold-predictions-round-1/

2026 NFL Draft: Five Things To Know With Pick Day Approaching (I think the offensive tackle draft sequence is fascinatingly unpredictable
Francis Mauigoa. Monroe Freeling. Spencer Fano. Kadyn Proctor. Caleb Lomu. Blake Miller. Max Iheanachor. I expect all seven to be first-round picks. All have first-round worthy qualities and long-term starting potential, no doubt about it. All also have at least one legitimate drawback that might make an OT-needy team have real pause at taking them over the others. For Mauigoa, it’s arm length and run game range. Freeling is green and shows some balance issues. Fano has arm length and power concerns. Proctor has battled weight issues and has some eye-popping whiffs. Lomu plays too tall and light. Miller’s hands need work and he’s RT-only. Iheanachor remains much better in theory than on film at this point. What does that mean for the sequence? Great question. Nothing would surprise me, especially with Proctor and Freeling. I can see each being the first offensive player not named Fernando Mendoza to be drafted. I can also just as easily see either of them not being selected until the 20s. To quote Megadeth, In a dream I cannot see.  Tangled abstract fallacy.  Random turmoil builds in me.  I'm addicted, addicted to the chaos) (4-13-26):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3685/2026-NFL-Draft-Five-Things-To-Know-With-Pick-Day-Approaching

2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Offensive Tackles (5. Blake Miller, Clemson:  Four-year starter at right tackle whose game notably improved in 2025. Length, footwork and play strength are all NFL-ready. His hand placement and pad level need more consistency but are getting there. Smart, tenacious and more athletic than advertised. Should go in the top 25.) (4-13-26):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3684/2026-NFL-Draft-Big-Board-Offensive-Tackles

Twenty-six true difference-makers in the 2026 NFL Draft; plus, 5 must-pick sleepers (RED STARS - 5. Blake Miller:  The talented technician enters the league with 54 career starts and 3,778 offensive snaps on his résumé. As a team captain with polished footwork and nearly flawless fundamentals, Miller is a mature player with the traits and intangibles to step in as a Day 1 starter. Additionally, he brings a scheme-friendly game, enabling him to seamlessly transition into zone-based or gap scheme systems. Given how hard it is to find plug-and-play edge blockers in any class, Miller’s experience, consistency and tenacity give him a chance to make a 10-year run as a starter.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/twenty-six-true-difference-makers-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-plus-5-must-pick-sleepers

Better Lions Fit: Blake Miller or Kadyn Proctor? (4-9-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/better-lions-fit-blake-miller-kadyn-proctor

Clemson’s 2026 NFL Draft Class Could be Historical (Blake Miller, Offensive Tackle, 6-7, 318 pounds - After being a four-year starter at Clemson, never missing a game or even a practice, right tackle Blake Miller has earned a name for himself in draft circles. Standing just under 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 318 pounds, Miller may be the most highly regarded Clemson prospect among NFL reporters and analysts.  ESPN, NFL.com, and CBS Sports all have Miller slated as a late first-round pick two weeks ahead of the draft, ranging between picks No. 22-31. If Miller is selected early, as most projections anticipate, he would become the first Clemson offensive lineman since Lou Cordileone in 1960 (pick No. 12 by the New York Giants) to be drafted in the first round.  On April 6, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid went as far as to predict Miller would be the first Tiger taken in the draft, ahead of several other potential first-day draftees.  “I honestly would go with Blake Miller, just because there’s no stains on his resume right now,” Reid said when asked about Clemson players.  While Miller told Sports Illustrated last week that he has talked to “just about” every NFL team ahead of the draft, the veteran could fill an immediate need for a few teams.  For example, the New England Patriots are looking to build up a young offensive line by adding a versatile right tackle and the Los Angeles Chargers, under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, are looking for athletic size on their O-line. Both teams hold mid-to-late first round picks, where Miller is slated.) (4-9-26):  https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/04/09/clemsons-2026-nfl-draft-class-could-be-historical/

Top 25 Prospects For The Detroit Lions In The 2026 NFL Draft: If the Lions wind up with any of these guys, they had a good draft (5: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Average Draft Position: 31st.  AtoZ Sports Big Board Ranking: 36th.  The Beast Ranking: 29th.  When you’re thinking about a right tackle who can start for the Lions in 2026, you probably want a guy who has a lot of experience at the position. That’s Miller. He’s been Clemson’s starting right tackle since his freshman season.  He allowed 14 pressures and two sacks in 2025, and he’s solid in all the areas the Lions want a tackle to be solid in. Plus, personality-wise, he’s just a Dan Campbell guy all around.) (4-8-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-25-prospects-for-the-detroit-lions-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-if-the-lions-wind-up-with-any-of-these-guys-they-had-a-good-draft/

Which OT is the best prospect for the Lions in the 2026 NFL draft? (Miller is by far the most experienced of this group, and while he has 54 starts at right tackle under his belt, he’s still just 22 years old with plenty of potential for growth. Analysts were late to the game in properly evaluating his production, leading to an undervaluation of his talent. As analysts are finalizing their boards, you’ll notice Miller has climbed firmly into the middle of the first round on most boards.) (4-8-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-discussion/161352/2026-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-offensive-tackle-ranking

2026 NFL Draft: This year's deep, talented OT class could make difference in keeping your team's QB healthy (Blake Miller and Max Iheanachor: More upside swings - Two players that have a real chance to go Round 1 but might not be household names are Clemson’s Blake Miller and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor. Both of them profile as elite athletes for the position with a lot of room to grow for the future while still being capable players sooner rather than later. Miller looks like a player that could feasibly be on the left or right side of the offensive line while Iheanachor has one of the more fascinating backgrounds in this year’s class.  Iheanachor is still fairly new to the game. He didn't start playing football until junior college in 2021 where he was quickly able to work himself into one of the better JUCO prospects in the nation, before eventually manning the right side of Arizona State’s offensive line. He has prototypical size, length and athleticism and has shown in a short period of time that he’s been able to improve his play from a first-time player to someone worthy of a first-round pick.) (4-7-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-this-years-deep-talented-ot-class-could-make-difference-in-keeping-your-teams-qb-healthy-180751628.html

8 options for Detroit Lions’ 17th overall pick in the POD mock (OT Blake Miller, Clemson:  A favorite of Erik Schlitt, Miller has a lot of things going for him, including elite athleticism, a good frame, and a tenacious attitude that fit’s Detroit’s grit. His game could use more polish, but he’s without a doubt a character fit with the Lions, and with 54 career starts, he’s well-seasoned.) (4-7-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/161278/nfl-mock-draft-8-options-for-detroit-lions-17th-overall-pick

2026 NFL Draft offensive line rankings: Deep class has several 1st-round candidates to protect your QB (4. Blake Miller, Clemson:  Clemson’s offense struggled at times this past season, but it wasn’t due to its offensive line play. For the first time in his entire tenure, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has an offensive tackle prospect who is drawing the attention of NFL scouts in the first round of the draft. Miller has primarily played on the right side of the line, but he has the athleticism to cleanly make a move over to the left side if his future team wants that. — CM) (4-2-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-offensive-line-rankings-deep-class-has-several-1st-round-candidates-to-protect-your-qb-181924091.html

The safest pick, biggest gamble and more 2026 NFL Draft superlatives (I don't buy the hype - Blake Miller is an ironman and model of consistency, starting 54 games in four seasons at Clemson. He's a solid player who has improved each year and brings a professional approach to development. I don't see the athleticism or awareness for him to be an instant NFL starter at tackle. He struggles with hand timing in pass protection, which can get him in trouble against athletic edge defenders. He also gets beat on the edge when he plays like a catcher instead of a striker. At times, he struggles to anchor as a mostly vertical setter and doesn't always have his feet rooted when absorbing contact. He ends up on the ground too often in the run game and struggles to sync his hands and hips for maximum power. His inability to correct some of these issues, despite extensive experience, is concerning.) (4-2-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-best-prospects-superlatives-love-downs-reese/

Blake Miller Is Becoming a First-Round NFL Draft Name Teams Can't Ignore (4-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/blake-miller-is-becoming-a-first-round-nfl-draft-name-teams-can-t-ignore


2026 NFL Draft: Players with the most college experience (OT Blake Miller, Clemson - PFF Big Board Rank: 25.  Miller is perhaps the best example of collegiate volume on this list. Unlike others who have taken advantage of additional eligibility, redshirt seasons and the transfer portal, Miller remained in place at Clemson, where he never missed a game over his four-year career.   Miller’s unblemished starting streak of 54 straight games resulted in 3,762 career snaps under Dabo Sweeney at Clemson — the most of any offensive lineman in the 2026 draft. This is an unbelievable amount of high-level football played, considering Miller just turned 22 years old last month. 97% of his snaps came at right tackle, and he projects as a late first-round pick with sufficient size to continue his career as a tackle in the NFL.) (3-22-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-players-with-the-most-college-experience

Daily DLP: Mock Draft 2.0 – Detroit Lions Podcast (Why OT at 17: the Blake Miller case - Round 1 lands on Blake Miller, the Clemson right tackle. Four-year starter. Seasoned. His hand usage improved. His footwork improved. He fits the grit. The knock is positional. He is a right tackle only. That places the left-side question on Penei Sewell. The preference is keeping Penei at right tackle. Moving him is not off the table. The goal is the best five in front of Goff and Jamir Gibbs. Protect the high octane passing game. With Miller, that feels attainable right away.  The usual suspects at tackle were gone early. Monroe Freeling went sixth. Kendrick Small went tenth. Francis Mawanawa went twelfth. Dylan Spielman was still there, but safety is not the priority at 17. The trenches are. The front office knows it. Nobody wants to roll into the NFL season with Larry Corrao as the unquestioned starter at left tackle. Miller at 17 makes sense.) (3-17-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/03/17/daily-dlp-mock-draft-2-0-detroit-lions-podcast/

2026 NFL Draft Big Board: 5 Biggest Risers on Tony Pauline’s Post-Combine Update (Blake Miller/T/Clemson - Big Board Jump Since Last Update: 25 spots, from No. 85 to No. 60.  Miller is another being mocked as a first-round prospect by several people, except me. He’s been on my radar the past three seasons, and while Miller was solid in 2025, he did not look like a first-round pick nor did he show great improvement in his game.  Athleticism was my concern, but Miller proved me wrong, timing 5.04 seconds in the 40 and touching 32 inches in the vertical jump, terrific numbers for a 317-pound blocker.) (3-10-26):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-two-thousand-twenty-six-nfl-draft-big-board-five-biggest-risers-on-tony-paulines-post-combine-update/

What I learned at the NFL combine: Detroit Lions buzz and draft targets (If I had to pick a few names of players who could be fits for the Lions in the first round right now: Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Vega Ioane (Penn State), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Ahkeem Mesidor (Miami), Blake Miller (Clemson), Caleb Lomu (Utah) and Zion Young (Missouri). Subject to change, of course.  17. Miller is going to check just about every box for the Lions. He’s 6 feet 6, has 34-inch arms, recorded a 9.97 RAS (sixth in history for OTs), was a four-year starter at Clemson who set a record for most snaps in school history, wrestled back in the day and is viewed as an excellent teammate. He told a story about a wrist injury suffered during the spring of his junior season at Clemson. After suffering the injury, he wore a soft cast and played through it because he wanted to be available for his teammates for *checks notes* spring football. Miller eventually underwent surgery and was forced to miss a single practice. “Kinda sucked,” he said. A Lion if I’ve ever seen one.) (3-5-26):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7083679/2026/03/05/lions-combine-analysis-needs/

Daily DLP: Post-Combine reset for top 5 Lions 1st round options (The three still standing at 17 - The core of the list holds: Auburn edge Keldrick Falk, Clemson edge TJ Parker, and Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller are still in play at 17. The Lions’ needs on the line of scrimmage keep all three relevant. Detroit values trench versatility and production, and each brings a different answer to that profile.) (3-4-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/03/04/daily-dlp-post-combine-reset-for-top-5-lions-1st-round-options/

2026 NFL Draft: Grading top 25 prospects at the NFL combine (Blake Miller - Measurables: 6-feet-6¾, 317 pounds, 9¾-inch hands, 34¼-inch arm length, 83⅞-inch wingspan.  Testing: 5.04-second 40-yard dash, 1.75-second 10-yard split, 32-inch vertical, 9-foot-5 broad.  Grade: A -- Want a prototypical frame (6-7, 317 pounds, 34¼-inch arms) and high-end athleticism (5.04 40, 32-inch vertical, 9-5 broad)? That's what Miller brings to the table. The four-year starter improved each season in college and solidified himself as a first-rounder in Indy.) (3-3-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-grades-top-25-prospects-nfl-combine/

2026 NFL Combine O-Lineman Winners: Utah’s Spencer Fano Impresses as ASU’s Max Iheanachor Sees Dramatic Rise (Blake Miller/T/Clemson:  Miller is all over draft boards, yet he made his case to be a top-75 pick at the combine. Known as a big, small-area blocker, Miller showed a lot of athleticism during testing and drills. He timed 5.04 seconds in the 40, almost two-tenths faster than scouts expected, and had a 10-yard split of 1.75 seconds. His vertical jump mark of 32 inches was also very good for the 6-foot-7, 317-pound blocker.) (3-2-26):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-flagship-twenty-twenty-six-nfl-combine-o-lineman-winners-utahs-spencer-fano-impresses-as-asus-max-iheanachor-sees-dramatic-rise/

2026 NFL Combine results: 12 winners from the offensive tackle/guard group (Offensive tackles -  Blake Miller, RT, Clemson (6-foot-7, 317):  Miller showcased a very balanced day, performing well in almost every aspect. His 1.75 10-yard-split is great, but his 9.94 RAS certainly exceeded expectations. The veteran tackle got in and out of his pass protection slide in the blink of an eye, showing positive and controlled skills in the mirror and slide drills. Miller displayed natural pulling skills, an impressive dip-and-pull, and fluidity when on the move. The most surprising skill Miller showed off was the timing and power in his strikes, flashing the elite impact that comes from 54 career starts.) (3-1-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158383/2026-nfl-combine-results-12-winners-from-the-offensive-tackle-guard-group

2026 NFL Combine Stock Report – Offensive Linemen (Up - Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Blake Miller had a very strong on-field workout to complement the positive testing numbers. He began with a 32-inch vertical and a 9-5 broad jump, and then he followed that up with a 5.04 40 time with a 1.76 10-yard split.) (3-1-26):  https://walterfootball.com/teams-see-caleb-lomu-as-a-late-1.php

Combine OL grades: Who helped their draft stock Sunday? (Blake Miller - Measurables: 6-foot-6¾, 317 pounds, 9¾-inch hands, 34¼-inch arm length, 83⅞-inch wingspan.  Testing: 5.04-second 40-yard dash, 1.75-second 10-yard split, 32-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-5 broad jump.  Grade: B -- Blake Miller checked the boxes across the board. He performed well in every area, even if he did not dominate anything in particular. Evaluators listed him among the standouts in most workouts, and his jumps were impressive. Clemson has not produced a first-round offensive lineman in the modern era, but Miller has a chance to end that streak.) (3-1-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-offensive-line-grades-spencer-fano-kadyn-proctor/

Blake Miller’s 40-Yard Dash Time at NFL Combine (3-1-26):  https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/03/01/blake-millers-40-yard-dash-time-at-nfl-combine/

NFL Combine: 7 high-character offensive linemen for Detroit Lions (Clemson OT Blake Miller - Size: 6-foot-7, 315 pounds.  Quick bio: The first thing anyone talks about with Miller is his incredible experience (54 starts) and ability to navigate through injuries (more on that in a second). A four-year starter at Clemson, Miller has only allowed eight sacks over those 54 starts (about one every seven games).  Current draft projection: Round 1.  Combine vibes:  Like Freeling, Miller has a great overcoming injury story. I asked Miller to talk about the time he broke his wrist in spring practice. Here’s him retelling the story.  Sounds pretty gritty to me.  Like pretty much every offensive tackle draft prospect at the Combine this year, Miller pointed to Penei Sewell as one of the people he studies.  “His physicality, finish blocks, his nastiness is awesome,” Miller said.) (3-1-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158358/nfl-combine-7-high-character-offensive-linemen-for-detroit-lions

2026 OL class features several tackle prospects that could interest Lions (Miller (6-6, 315) is an intriguing prospect who seems to check off all the boxes the Lions are looking for from a size, quickness, mentality and production standpoint. A former high school wrestler, Miller started 54 games at Clemson, the first Clemson offensive lineman to start every game over a four-year career. "I feel like I've seen a lot of football," Miller said Saturday at the Combine. "Been a part of a lot of plays, seen a lot of different rushers and seen a lot of different schemes. I feel like that helps me. People learn by doing stuff but I'm excited to learn more. There's so much to learn in this league and there's so much knowledge in this league, I just can't wait to kind of be a sponge and soak it up.") (3-1-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-ol-class-features-several-tackle-prospects-that-could-interest-lions

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 4 observations (Sewell love: Clemson tackle Blake Miller talked about why Penei Sewell is one of his favorite tackles in the NFL to study.  "I think his physicality finishing blocks and his nastiness is awesome," Miller said. "Also too, he's athletic and gets out on the perimeter, gets to the second level, gets to the third level and makes blocks downfield.") (2-28-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-combine-day-4-observations-miller-proctor-freeling

ESPN Names 2 Tigers as Combine Prospects to Watch (2-27-26):  https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/02/27/espn-names-2-tigers-as-combine-prospects-to-watch/

2026 NFL combine: Top draft prospects, workout predictions (Give us your best prediction for combine week.  Reid: The buzz coming out of the combine will surround the depth atop the offensive tackle class. I currently have seven players with top-50 grades. Freeling (Georgia), Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) and Blake Miller (Clemson) currently have second-round grades, but I believe all three will firmly be in the Round 1 picture after this weekend. In speaking with multiple scouts and evaluators over the past month, there's no set order on when they're expected to come off the board, but tackles will be selected frequently -- and early.) (2-26-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47977627/2026-nfl-draft-combine-preview-prospects-workouts-quarterbacks-risers

2026 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects at the Scouting Combine (47. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Miller isn’t as agile or powerful as some of the top-rated tackles higher on my board, but as a rare four-year starter who faced elite competition every day in practice, he’s as safe as a Subaru. Miller has a somewhat gangly frame and upright stance that isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing, but he’s quick, smart and has excellent hands to steer and sustain.) (2-23-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-top-50-prospects-scouting-combine

2026 NFL combine: Prospects who could boost draft stock (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Miller brings a high-floor profile built on sustained run blocking, strong leverage and a reliable anchor that consistently holds up against bull rushers. His hand usage, balance and ability to identify stunts point to a scheme-versatile interior lineman who can contribute early. He must stay technically consistent, though, as playing too high or being slightly off-balance can expose him to inside counters and second-level issues.) (2-23-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-draft-risers-to-watch/

The 5 most-likely Lions 1st-round picks entering the Combine (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Miller has been Clemson’s right tackle for the last four seasons. That statement merits some context as to why it’s so impressive: Miller is the first Clemson offensive lineman to ever start for four seasons, beginning as a true freshman, since World War II ended. Despite his considerable experience, Miller’s overall skillset took a big jump in 2025.  Jeremiah took notice, mentioning Miller in the same breath as Freeling in his press conference. Miller dramatically scaled back the misfire plays, whiffs that pockmarked his Clemson career. His balance on the end of the line improved, as did his reactive quickness and overall pad level in the run game. While he’ll never be confused for a road grater in run blocking, Miller showed decent power and impressive latchability. If he gets his hands on the defender, they’re not making a play, period. The 22-year-old (his 22nd birthday is Wednesday) cleaned up his penalty issues, too.  Miller is a right tackle-only, though he did have an impressive cup of coffee at LT in 2024 vs. Pittsburgh. If his growth arc continues from 2025 into the NFL, and it absolutely can, he’s a high-ceiling RT prospect with a good schematic and grit fit in Detroit. There are still just enough “what the hell was that?!” plays on Miller’s film that 17 overall might wind up being too rosy of a projection, however.) (2-23-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/02/23/the-5-most-likely-lions-1st-round-picks-entering-the-combine/

Bish & Brown: Colton Hood vs. OT at Pick 17 – Detroit Lions Podcast (Offensive Tackle or Bust, and Blake Miller - Russell kept circling back to one thing. Offensive tackle or bust at 17. The offense under Drew Petzing makes that path compelling. Protect the quarterback. Keep the run game square. Create balance. That set up his recent study of Clemson’s Blake Miller. The lower body movement jumped out. The footwork and range looked promising. He expects Miller to test well. The takeaway was simple. If the Lions want a long-term bookend, this draft gives them a chance to get one without forcing the board.) (2-21-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/02/21/bish-brown-colton-wood-vs-ot-at-pick-17-detroit-lions-podcast/

Daily DLP: Top 5 Lions targets at 17 heading to the Combine (Tackles on the board: Monroe Fraley, Blake Miller - Right tackle Blake Miller, from Jackson, is gaining momentum as the combine nears. His name rose alongside Fraley in recent conversations. If Detroit prioritizes tackle at 17, both belong in the discussion.) (2-20-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/02/20/daily-dlp-top-5-lions-targets-at-17-heading-to-the-combine/

Top 5 tackles for the Detroit Lions at the 2026 NFL Combine (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Average Draft Position: 48th.  A to Z Sports big board ranking: 36th.  On this week’s episode of Lions Collective, The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy compared Miller to Taylor Decker, and that is a pretty spot-on comparison. It’s also not a bad thing, either, to be compared to a Pro Bowl left tackle who started for a decade.  Miller is coming off a decent season for Clemson, allowing just 14 pressures and two sacks. He could be had in the second round if the Lions chose to wait.) (2-19-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-5-tackles-for-the-detroit-lions-at-the-2026-nfl-combine/

2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each offensive position (Offensive Tackle:  4. Blake Miller, Clemson:  Both Blake Miller and Max Iheanachor are high-end athletes whose tools are easy to get excited about. They both fall into the more developmental tier, though.) (2-18-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-combine-offensive-rankings-top-5-by-position/

Miller Tabbed as First-Round Prospect ‘You’ll Hear a Lot More About’ (1-27-26):  https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/01/27/miller-tabbed-as-first-round-prospect-youll-hear-a-lot-more-about/

2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Offensive Tackles Include Caleb Lomu, Spencer Fano (6. Blake Miller, Clemson:  Of the offensive tackles on this list, Blake Miller had the largest spread between rankings. He ranked as high as the fourth-best tackle in one ranking and as low as 10th in another. His spot on PFSN’s consensus offensive tackle ranking lands somewhere in the middle. If you’re looking for a safe bet to be a solid starter in the NFL, Miller is a strong high-floor addition on Day 2. He won’t wow you with elite athleticism or flexibility, but he has a sturdy frame, a nasty demeanor through contact, a high football IQ, and a refined understanding of how to use his hands to keep edge rushers away from his chest.) (1-8-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-pfsn-consensus-top-offensive-tackles/

Clemson OL Blake Miller Becomes Clemson’s Career Leader In Key Stat (12-28-25):  https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/clemson-ol-blake-miller-becomes-clemson-career-leader-in-key-stat

4 players who most helped their draft stock in Christmas Weekend bowl games (Blake Miller – OT, Clemson:  Miller had one of his better performances this season as a pass protector against a Penn State defensive front that features a few pro prospects. Though the Clemson offense struggled at times up front in this game, the right tackle spot held firm. Miller has a large enough frame to play either tackle or guard at the NFL level. He’s been a consistent player for the Tigers across four seasons. Offensive linemen who can earn an early starting role and remain solid for long stretches are exactly what many NFL teams need more of, and this could help Miller earn an opportunity to play early in his professional career.) (12-28-25):  https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/nfl-draft-prospects-gator-pinstripe-texas-bowl-penn-state-houston-missouri


Updated 2026 NFL Draft big board for the end of the CFB regular season (18. Blake Miller OT Clemson) (12-2-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/02/2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-update/87554292007/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive tackle - PFF (10. Blake Miller, Clemson Tigers - Big board rank: 89.  Miller is a bright, experienced offensive tackle prospect with an ideal baseline of flexibility and quickness. He is very quick off the ball with great posture and balance in pass protection. His hands are up, active, and even patient, highlighting a very high level of football intelligence. He appears and plays light for the position, lacking the sand in his pants to anchor and strength in the lower half to displace defenders when run blocking. If he can gain weight and strength while maintaining his plus movement ability, he can start at the next level.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-offensive-tackle-rankings

College Football Week 13: Team of the Week, Player Awards (ACC Team of the Week - RT: Blake Miller, Clemson) (11-23-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-13-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

Clemson lineman makes history with 50 straight starts (11-20-25):  https://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/11/20/clemson-lineman-makes-history-with-50-straight-starts/

Offensive linemen we know the Lions have been scouting this season for the 2026 Draft (Blake Miller, OT, Clemson:  Miller is similar to Proctor in the sense that he can get downfield to the second level and help as a run blocker like Sewell. But you could get him later than Proctor.  Still, the athleticism that Proctor has just makes him that more dangerous than Miller. The Lions saw Miller play against Syracuse. You have to wonder if they will go back again to see him play a better team.) (11-18-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-offensive-line-2026-nfl-draft-kaydn-proctor-alabama-spencer-fano-utah-isaiah-world-oregon-austin-siereveld-ohio-state/

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason prospect big board top 50 (11. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson) (11-10-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/11/10/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-prospect-big-board-top-50/87143496007/

5 offensive tackle prospects to watch in CFB Week 11 (Blake Miller, Clemson:  Miller has always had outstanding athletic potential that never quite clicked. Another collegiate right tackle, Miller has taken a giant leap forward in his skills and development in 2025.  In my eyes, Miller projects better as an NFL left tackle. He's incredibly light on his feet and agile in both pass protection and getting to reach blocks in the run game. He lacks power in his punch; Miller is more of a jabber who stalls the edge rush enough to reset himself and reengage. The anchor strength isn't great, but his quickness to reset his feet and his leverage work quite well.  Miller and the Tigers face Florida State on Saturday night. His draft projections are all over the place, from late first-round to sixth round--reflecting the big jump in his skill level relative to his lower floor that Miller brought into the season.) (11-8-25):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/11/08/detroit-lions-draft-offensive-tackle-prospects-to-watch/87156327007/

Clemson OL Blake Miller Gets High Praise for NFL-Bound Teammate (11-5-25):  https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/clemson-blake-miller-high-praise-nfl-walker-parks

College Football Week 7: Team of the Week, Player Awards (National Team of the Week - RT: Blake Miller, Clemson.  ACC Team of the Week - RT: Blake Miller, Clemson) (10-12-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

Clemson Injury Update: Latest Report on 3 Key Playmakers as PFSN Metrics Expose Deeper Tigers Troubles (The offensive line unit grades even worse, with Blake Miller ranking 166th nationally among offensive linemen with an 81.8 PFSN OLi score. Harris Sewell (304th, 77.3) and Collin Sadler (327th, 76.4) provide little additional support, creating a domino effect that impacts every aspect of the offense.) (9-18-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/clemson-tigers-offensive-struggles-injuries-pfsn-data-ranking/

Blake Miller Embraces Leadership Role, Pushes for Consistency on Clemson O-Line (9-10-25):  https://clemsonsportstalk.com/s/11875/blake-miller-embraces-leadership-role-pushes-for-consistency-on-clemson-o-line

ACC Football Team of the Week: Hollywood Smothers, Duce Robinson Headline the Highest-Graded Players in Week 2 (ACC Team of the Week | Third Team - OT: Blake Miller, Clemson: 81.0 (B-)) (9-9-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/acc-football-team-of-the-week-2/

2026 NFL Draft: Preseason offensive tackle rankings (6. BLAKE MILLER, CLEMSON:  Anyone who has been following my work since last summer knows I am a Blake Miller believer. The Clemson offensive tackle has been a starter for three seasons, soon to be four. Most of his time as a starter has been spent at a weight of less than 300 pounds. Because of that, his foot speed, kick slides, hand movements and anything that had to do with athleticism were very impressive, but he struggled to deal with power.  Now listed at 315 pounds, Miller will have to prove that he can still move as quickly. He also displays high offensive line IQ, understanding how to counter and handle different pass-rush moves. He earned a 76.4 PFF pass blocking grade in 2024 with an impressive 78.7 figure against South Carolina, the best pass-rush team he faced (specifically, edge rusher Dylan Stewart).) (7-18-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-preseason-offensive-tackle-rankings


Clemson 2026 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at where Cade Klubnik, TJ Parker may land (Blake Miller, OL:  Miller's name was prominent on offensive tackle lists for the 2025 NFL Draft throughout last season. He wasn't projected to go in the first round, but projections had him being selected.  Still, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Miller returned to Clemson. He has started in every game of his college career and allowed only one sack and committed one penalty over 935 snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.) (4-28-25):  https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2025/04/28/clemson-football-nfl-draft-prospects-2026-cade-klubnik/83276297007/

Why Blake Miller returned to Clemson football, Dabo Swinney despite having NFL draft buzz (3-3-25):  https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2025/03/03/clemson-football-blake-miller-nfl-draft-2025/80754046007/

College Football: Top 10 returning offensive tackles for the 2025 season (7. Blake Miller, Clemson:  Miller entered last season as our No. 6 tackle in America and stays around that spot a year later. He’s been a true ironman for the Tigers as he’s started every game at right tackle since his true freshman season. His 2,804 snaps since 2022 are the second most of any tackle in America.  Miller’s 77.3 career run-blocking grade is a top-30 mark of any tackle in America over the last three seasons and he’s coming off a career-best 76.4 pass-blocking grade in 2024 as well. He’s as reliable as they come and should be one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Clemson history when he heads to the NFL.) (2-24-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-offensive-tackles-2025
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