The Detroit Lions were looking for a trade-up ahead of their No. 17 draft pick this year, but things didn't quite go according to plan. Fortunately for Detroit, Clemson tackle Blake Miller remained available.

Before they selected Clemson’s Miller, Brad Holmes and the Lions front office looked into moving up. As per Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman, while they spoke with several teams about a trade, the cost was too high, so they chose to stay put.

“We did, yeah. We talked to teams up—way up—and we just talked about it,” Holmes said as per Reisman's article. “We tried to see if we can be at peace with what the capital is that you’d have to expend. But we definitely explored strongly about trading up.”

The draft started slow for offensive tackles through eight picks, but changed quickly as Cleveland took Spencer Fano at No. 9, the Giants picked Francis Mauigoa at No. 10, and Miami selected Kadyn Proctor at No. 12, leaving Detroit with limited options.

Reisman further wrote about how, after reviewing the price, Detroit decided not to give up future picks. While analysts expected the Lions to pick Monroe Freeling, the franchise was staying put for another tackle.

By the time pick no.13 was made, Holmes finally felt a sense of optimism for their decided pick.

“Right after LA took the quarterback, I felt pretty good that we might be able to just get Blake,” Holmes further revealed as per the piece.

Despite trade pressure, Detroit kept its position and did not give up extra picks. That patience helped them land the player they'd planned on all along, without having to pay a price for trading up.

Now the focus shifts to how Miller fits into the roster going forward.

Miller’s Early Role, Line Changes, and 2026 Outlook in Detroit

Blake Miller enters Detroit with an offensive line devoid of a veteran in Taylor Decker. With Penei Sewell needing a partner on the right/left tackle, Miller fits the bill reasonably well despite being a rookie.

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard noted the rookie could see playing time based on how the lineup develops in training camp.

“There’s a strong chance that Miller can earn a starting role this upcoming season,” Woodyard wrote. “Lions coach Dan Campbell said he’s considering switching Sewell to left tackle for the 2026 season."

While no role has been confirmed, Miller’s experience at right tackle, where he played 97% of his college snaps, could certainly come in use.

The Lions moved on from veteran left tackle Taylor Decker in March and brought in three new linemen during free agency.

The team still holds pick No. 50 in Round 2 along with several Day 4 selections, giving them more chances to add depth.

Miller now enters a situation where opportunity is real, but nothing is given. His role in 2026 will depend on how quickly he adapts once camp begins.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote