ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions introduced first-round draft pick Blake Miller on Friday, as the former Clemson offensive lineman described a whirlwind 24 hours that quickly brought him back to familiar Midwest roots.
Miller, a native of Cleveland, said the transition to Detroit came together rapidly after draft night.
Recommended Videos
The Lions used the No. 17 overall pick in the NFL draft to select Miller, marking the franchise’s highest draft slot since taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 in 2023.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but in the best way possible,” Miller said. “We got up this morning, drove up here, smooth drive. It was fast, but it was smooth.”
Despite the quick turnaround, Miller emphasized gratitude as he toured the Lions’ facility and met team personnel.
“The amount of thankfulness and gratitude that I have in my heart right now is incredible,” Miller said. “It feels good to be back here. It feels like home.”
Miller credited his work ethic and durability to his parents, who worked in real estate and set an example of consistency and commitment.
“They were working around the clock,” Miller said. “I feel like I owe it to them to embody that and go above and beyond.”
→ Why Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes took Blake Miller with pick No. 17 in first round of 2026 NFL draft
Holmes had his eye on Miller for years
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes said Thursday the organization had evaluated Miller for three years, a detail the rookie called “really cool” as validation of his steady improvement.
“Every year you shoot to improve,” Miller said. “To hear that they saw that, it means a lot. I just want to keep getting better in every way possible.”
Miller’s development included a position switch at Clemson that came about almost by accident.
A lifelong left tackle, he lined up at right tackle during drills simply because the line was shorter, and never looked back.
“I just wanted to play,” Miller said. “I wanted to be available and contribute.”
→ ‘Take someone’s will’: Blake Miller talks joining Detroit Lions at No. 17 pick in 2026 NFL draft
Miller brings fire between the lines
Though soft-spoken off the field, Miller described a different mentality once the game begins.
“I like to bring some fire,” Miller said. “There’s no greater compliment than seeing a pass rusher fired up early in the game, and by the end, he’s looking to the sideline.”
Miller said he grew increasingly excited about joining Detroit after watching clips of head coach Dan Campbell late into the night.
“You listen to him speak, and you can hear the passion,” Miller said. “It gets you fired up. I was ready to run through a wall.”
Connecting with teammates, Goff, Sewell
The first-round pick has already begun connecting with teammates, including quarterback Jared Goff and offensive lineman Penei Sewell, calling the outreach “surreal.”
“Just getting a text from guys like that, it means a lot,” Miller said. “I’m excited to get in the building, learn from them, and get to work.”
Miller’s athletic background extends beyond football.
A former wrestling standout and track-and-field competitor, wrestling, in particular, helped shape his toughness and mindset.
“It was all about grit and not quitting,” Miller said. “That stuck with me. You want to be someone who finishes.”
Detroit culture mirrors Clemson’s, Miller says
Miller sees similarities between Detroit’s culture and the program he played in under Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
“They value toughness, finish, grit, that resonates with me,” Miller said. “Both coaches care deeply about their players. That’s something that stands out.”
As for his role on the field, Miller didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite play.
“Wide zone,” Miller said with a smile. “You get to run off the ball and displace people.”
‘Comparison is the thief of joy’
For now, Miller is focused less on comparisons with other first-round picks and more on maximizing his own potential.
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” Miller said. “I’m just trying to be the best version of me every day.”
With family members, including his parents and girlfriend, in attendance, Miller’s introduction marked the beginning of what he hopes will be a long career in Detroit.
“I just want to contribute as much as I can and make this fan base proud,” Miller said.