The Detroit Lions made a first-round move that got people talking. With the 17th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, a choice that got mixed reactions. 

The update started making rounds soon after it was posted on X by the St. Brown Podcast with the caption:

“The Lions select Clemson OT Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick of the NFL Draft. How do we feel about it?“

Lions GM Brad Holmes stunned everyone by taking Blake Miller at No. 17, a move that blindsided even the experts. According to an article published by Lindsay Miller of Detroitlions.com, the team’s own website, not a single staff member predicted Miller in their final mock. 

The Detroit Free Press labeled it a "surprise," especially with OT Monroe Freeling still available. 

As for Miller, at 6-foot-7 and 317 pounds, he fits the build. Miller mostly played right tackle, which now gives Lions the option to move Penei Sewell to the left side. The team needed help on the offensive line after parting ways with Taylor Decker earlier this offseason. They did bring in OT Larry Borom, but adding Blake Miller gives them another option.

The way the draft played out probably mattered too. A few offensive linemen were already off the board before Detroit picked, including Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, and Kadyn Proctor, which may have pushed them to go in this direction.

This pick, as is the case with most, caused a divide among the fans, with mixed reactions flooding in, especially with not picking Freeling at No.17. 

Fans React as Lions’ Draft Decision Sparks Debate

Once the news spread, fans didn’t hold back. The reactions were mixed. Some fans understood the move, while others questioned the timing and value.

“It's a reach. Freeling was the better option.” said a fan about the merit of the pick.

One fan felt that the Lions reached too early, saying

“Could’ve gotten in the 2nd,” suggesting that Miller would still be available later.

Another fan focused on the missed defensive option, saying, 

“We almost was able to get Ruben Bain,” after he went two picks earlier.

One fan shared a simple message saying,

“Cool with it. Didn't see it coming (Freeling was higher on a lot of boards, and Mesidor was there), but that's fine.

On the other side, some fans supported the decision, looking at the bigger picture. One X user explained, 

“Why yall mad. The man been playing & statrting at right tackle since his freshman … Penei moves to Left & now the line is FIXED,” pointing to how the move could help the line as a whole.

Another fan felt that this was a great pick by the Lions, saying

“Very solid pick. Hope we continue to invest in the trenches. Get this offense back to grinding down defenses.”

The Lions still have more picks left, including No. 50 in Round 2, so they can fix other needs. It’s too early to say if this first pick was right or wrong. For now, fans are split on it.

Do you think Freeling was the better choice?

Follow Detroit Lions Community for more.

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi