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Lions Draft Clemson Tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 to Reshape Offensive Line

The pick positions Penei Sewell to protect Jared Goff's blind side at left tackle.

Overview

  • Detroit selected Miller in the first round Thursday, filling the vacancy created when longtime starter Taylor Decker was released this spring.
  • Head coach Dan Campbell said Sewell will shift to left tackle, with Miller set to battle veteran Larry Borom for the right tackle job.
  • The 6-foot-7, 317-pound Miller started 54 straight games at Clemson and logged a program-record 3,778 snaps.
  • GM Brad Holmes said he had targeted Miller for years and explored trading up before staying at No. 17 to preserve draft capital.
  • Evaluators cite Miller’s athletic traits and finishing mindset but note he must tighten hand placement and pad level, and the pick ends Clemson’s modern-era first-round drought for offensive linemen.