Protecting QB Jared Goff’s blindside has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense over the last several seasons, making OT Blake Miller’s development one of the team’s biggest storylines entering 2026.

On May 7, while appearing on Good Morning Football, the Lions GM Brad Holmes made a statement backing Clemson's Miller, expressing confidence in the rookie’s ability to help stabilize Detroit’s offensive line.

“He just checked all the boxes,” Holmes said. “When you get into his intangibles, his makeup, what he believes in, this guy is a Lion. We were thrilled to land him.”

The Motor City team drafted the Strongsville native in the 2026 NFL Draft as the first-round and 17th overall pick. 

Primarily playing at the right tackle position, the Clemson product is known for his durability and "nasty" playing style in the run game, per Bleacher Report. 

That physical style is one of the reasons Detroit views him as a fit inside Dan Campbell’s trench-heavy culture.

The Lions are expecting Miller to see some action in the 2026 NFL season. With the departure of Taylor Decker and OT Penei Sewell being shifted to the blindside of Goff, this creates a void at the RT.

“You know, in terms of where he's going to,” said Holmes. “How much impact looks, he just needs to keep going on the trajectory that he's been going on in terms of just continuing to work on his game.”

The 22-year-old tackle has appeared in 13 games while playing for 808 offensive snaps and recorded 2 sacks with 14 total pressures during his last season at Clemson, per Pro Football Focus. 

Replacing a veteran presence like Taylor Decker was never going to be simple, but the Lions believe Blake Miller has the mentality and toughness to handle the responsibility.

Brad Holmes Makes Blake Miller Earn His Spot in Lions Lineup

The Detroit Lions may have shown their trust in the rookie RT Blake Miller, but GM Brad Holmes has made it clear that he has to earn a spot on the roster entering the 2026 season.

“He's got to go out and earn a job,” Holmes said while discussing the rookie tackle’s role. “But we like his work ethic and everything. I know he's going to do everything in his power to do that.”

That mindset fits directly into Detroit’s culture under head coach Dan Campbell, where competition and toughness define roster decisions.

“Just kind of his upside and growth because he is a good athlete,” Brad Holmes added. “He's tough. He's smart. He's big. He's long. He's instinctive. He's gritty. He's physical in the run game.”

With Decker gone and Sewell potentially shifting roles, Miller enters a situation where early opportunities could open quickly.

GM Holmes’ message was direct and clear. Draft status alone will not secure Miller a starting role in Detroit’s offensive line rotation.

Do you think the addition of Blake Miller will allow Jared Goff and Co. to make a deep postseason run in 2026? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Surjo Ray