DETROIT – The Detroit Lions added toughness and reliability to their offensive line Thursday night, selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the No. 17 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Miller, known for an “Iron Man” streak spanning his high school and college careers, said his durability is rooted in a sense of responsibility.
“If I’m able to play, whether it’s through injury or I’m blessed enough to be completely healthy, I owe it to my teammates to be on the field,” Miller said. “There’s so many people in any organization that put in so much work. I owe it to them to be available and to pay it forward.”
Miller celebrated the moment in his hometown of Strongsville, Ohio, surrounded by family, his agent, and close friends.
“We tried to keep it relatively small,” Miller said. “Close family, agent, girlfriend, her family. It’s awesome.”
Lions’ interest grew during pre-draft process
The Lions’ interest in Miller developed during the pre-draft process, when he met with team officials to review schemes and interviewed with the coaching staff.
Miller said the franchise’s identity stood out immediately.
“I just love the culture of this organization,” Miller said. “I love the grit, love the toughness that’s emphasized. I really want to uphold that standard.”
Miller said his immediate goal is simple: earn everything.
“My goal is to come in and work as hard as I can to be the best player I can be,” Miller said. “However, the cards fall from there, I can live with that. Wherever I’m needed, I’m more than happy to fill in.”
Clemson program shaped Miller’s approach
At Clemson, Miller developed under coach Dabo Swinney, whose program emphasized effort, physicality, and accountability.
“Finishing blocks, getting to the ball, making sure you’re getting down the field, those were things that were very emphasized,” Miller said. “And off the field, just being a good human being, engaging with the community.”
Miller said he is especially eager to learn from Lions right tackle Penei Sewell, one of the NFL’s top young linemen.
“I’ve watched a lot of his tape,” Miller said. “His ability to move, get out in space, his pass protection, how light he is on his feet, it’s remarkable. Just to be able to sit in the same room as him and pick his brain, I can’t wait.”
Wrestling background fueled passion for offensive line
A former wrestler, Miller said he was drawn to the offensive line because of its technical demands and physical edge.
“There’s a lot of nuance to it,” Miller said. “And at the end of the day, you get to go out there and take someone’s will every play.”
Miller said he has not missed a game in high school or college, a streak he takes pride in maintaining.
“If I feel like I can get on that field and give my team a shot to win, I want to be there,” Miller said.
Among his favorite memories at Clemson was a win over Pittsburgh during his junior season, when he switched positions midgame after an injury and helped the Tigers grind out a victory.
“Celebrating on the field with everyone, those are moments I cherish,” Miller said.
Now, Miller hopes to bring that same mindset to Detroit and become the latest cornerstone on a line built on durability and toughness.
--> Detroit Lions select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with No. 17 pick in NFL draft