While the Detroit Lions' selection of tackle Blake Miller might not be grabbing many league headlines, it very quietly has a chance to change the offense from day one. Due to the career accomplishments, it was hard to realize just how much Taylor Decker struggled at times during the 2025 season. The veteran gave up 33 pressures and committed five penalties, starting to show age and making it clear there was a need to make a move.
Miller is already expected to be an elite pass protector, and now he is with the perfect offense to improve his ability to set up the run. Getting younger at tackle will allow the Lions to use Miller's size and athleticism to establish their offensive identity by shuffling the line and keeping the defense confused about where the offense is flowing.
The fact that Miller is incredibly durable, as shown by the 54 consecutive starts made in his Clemson career, is a major benefit for Detroit, as well. This is an underrated factor for a previously aging offensive line that consistently dealt with injury issues. There is also the fact that this demotes Larry Borom into the role that the retired Dan Skipper has filled in recent seasons.
While it is understood that drafting an offensive lineman in the first round won't garner many headlines, it is unquestionably life-changing for the Detroit offense. It provides the necessary outside protection for Jared Goff, while also handing the unit the depth it has desperately needed as we inch toward the 2026 season.
Lions Decision to Draft Blake Miller will Change the Detroit Offense
Penei Sewell and Miller both appear to be franchise players capable of protecting Goff from edge rushers for years to come. Both players are athletic for big men and will open up the playbook once again, allowing more offensive line creativity. For Borom, this is an obvious demotion, but a chance for the Lions to find the needed sixth lineman in the team's lineup.
Every piece of fallout from Detroit's first-round decision shows just how much impact the decision will have on the 2026 offense. The Lions have gone from viewing the offensive line as a potential question mark to a clear strength of the roster.
All of this builds around the addition of Miller and the tools the Clemson product brings to Detroit's offense. If there is one caveat to this, it is noting the need to improve as a run blocker. However, this is a trait the Lions will develop in a system built to lean on its players' strengths.
For Miller, it is hard to imagine a landing spot that offers both the chance to step into the starting lineup and realistic expectations of meaningful contention. He has that in Detroit. And he gives the Lions an underrated pick that will have an evident impact from day one of the 2026 season.
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