ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Blake Miller hasn’t missed a start since middle school and barely slept after the first round of the NFL draft.
If the Detroit Lions' No. 17 overall pick is tired, he doesn’t show it on or off the field.
The 22-year-old made his debut at Detroit’s team facility on Friday (April 24) afternoon in Allen Park, flanked by his parents, Chris and Karen.
“All these thoughts going through my head of what things are going to look like, and they’re all good ones,” Miller told Local 4. “I’m just excited to get here and meet everyone, and even more excited for when everyone reports to meet all my teammates.”
Miller has already received welcome texts from quarterback Jared Goff and linemates Tate Ratledge and Penei Sewell.
Sewell, who intends to move to left tackle to accommodate the incoming rookie and veteran free agent signee Larry Borom on the right side, influenced Miller’s playing style over four seasons at Clemson.
“I really admire the athleticism and the explosiveness he has when he plays,” Miller said. “When he gets out of his stance, he’s like a cat. It’s immediate and impressive, too. The physicality, the nastiness, the finish he plays with is incredible.”
The Lions hope to see those same qualities out of their newest addition.
Miller started all 54 games in college, earning a reputation as an ironman and finisher of plays in 3,778 offensive snaps from 2022-25.
Miller credits his background in youth wrestling with developing the mental fortitude he’s carried throughout his career in the trenches.
“You’ve got to be more gritty than the other guy,” Miller said of his play style. “You have to have in your mindset that you’re not going to be beat by anyone. No one’s going to outwork you. No one’s going to out-finish you. You have to be the best one out there.”
Offseason workouts for the Lions open May 27 with mandatory minicamp slated to kick off June 16.
Clemson strength and conditioning coach Joey Batson will continue working with Miller in the meantime, getting the 6-foot-7, 317-pound grinder into the best shape possible to fulfill his promise to Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes.
“I’m getting as ready as I humanly can so I can put my best foot forward,” Miller said.