Detroit Lions Set to Pick Blake Miller in McShay's Latest Mock Draft

The Countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft

The excitement is palpable as the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, starting Thursday, April 23. As we inch closer, draft predictions are starting to take shape, and Todd McShay's insights give us a valuable glimpse into the Lions' strategy.

Who Will the Lions Select?

Todd McShay's latest mock draft has the Lions selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick. This projection is significant, considering the Lions struggled last season, particularly with their offensive line's pass protection.

“The Lions had one of the worst pass-protecting offensive lines in the NFL last season, and you could argue that no high-level starting quarterback was more affected by pressure than Jared Goff. Fixing that has to be a priority.” – Todd McShay, The Ringer

The Case for Blake Miller

Standing 6 feet, 6 3/4 inches and weighing 317 pounds, Miller boasts impressive physical attributes, including long arms (34 1/4 inches) and a quick 40-yard dash time of 5.04 seconds. His performance at the combine showcased his capability with 32 bench press reps, placing him atop among offensive linemen this year.

Experience: Miller brings 54 career starts, adding depth to the Lions' lineup.
Character: He's recognized as one of the highest-character players, solidifying his fit into the team culture.
Consistency: Unlike some of his competitors, Miller's tape reflects reliability—something the Lions need.

Comparing Options: Miller vs. Proctor

The Lions were previously linked to Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, yet Miller's proven track record may give him the edge when the Lions are on the clock. While Proctor has enticing traits, Miller's consistency has drawn more acclaim from scouts and analysts alike.

What This Means for the Lions

Selecting Miller not only addresses a significant need but also signals a broader commitment to elevate Goff's gameplay. With an improved offensive line, it could pave the way for offensive strategies that leverage the Lions' skill positions, such as wide receivers and tight ends.

In a league where quarterback safety is paramount, bolstering the offensive line can be the difference between a winning season and a disappointing one.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to the Draft

As we prepare for the draft, it's essential to remember that player selections can define franchises. The Lions have an incredible opportunity to shape their future, and the choice to draft Miller could be pivotal.

Stay tuned for live coverage as we dissect every pick and provide insights after the selections are made!

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Key Facts

Predicted Selection: Todd McShay predicts the Detroit Lions will select Blake Miller with the 17th pick.
Draft Date: The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Player Height and Weight: Blake Miller stands 6 feet, 6 3/4 inches and weighs 317 pounds.
Performance at Combine: Blake Miller recorded 32 bench press reps at the combine.
Lions' Past Performance: The Lions struggled with one of the worst pass-protecting offensive lines in the NFL last season.
Experience: Blake Miller has 54 career starts.
Player Comparison: The Lions were previously linked to Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, but Miller's consistency may give him the edge.

Background

The Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where predictions suggest they will focus on strengthening their offensive line, particularly through the selection of Blake Miller from Clemson.

Quick Answers

Who does Todd McShay predict the Lions will select in the NFL Draft?: Todd McShay predicts the Detroit Lions will select Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick.
What are Blake Miller's physical attributes?: Blake Miller is 6 feet, 6 3/4 inches tall and weighs 317 pounds.
What is significant about the Lions' offensive line last season?: The Lions had one of the worst pass-protecting offensive lines in the NFL last season.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft start?: The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
What achievements did Blake Miller have at the combine?: Blake Miller had 32 bench press reps, showcasing his physical strength among offensive linemen.
How many career starts does Blake Miller have?: Blake Miller has 54 career starts, demonstrating his experience.
Who were the Lions previously linked to in the draft?: The Lions were previously linked to Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in draft discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What positions is the Lions' offensive line aiming to strengthen?

Drafting Blake Miller addresses a significant need for the Lions and signals a commitment to improving quarterback Jared Goff's gameplay.

What qualities make Blake Miller a good fit for the Lions?

Blake Miller's consistency and proven track record may give him the edge over Kadyn Proctor, who has more enticing traits.

What physical attributes stand out for Blake Miller?

Blake Miller is noted for his reliability, experience, and character, making him a good cultural fit for the Lions.

Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-select-todd-mcshays-latest-164540917.html