Blake Miller: Facts, Perceptions, and Questions about the Lions First Round Pick

Let's dive in on the first round pick!

Information sourced from: NFL Mock Draft DB, DLP Podcasts, Detroit Lions Official Webpage, Detroit Lions Morning Rounds, RAS

The Lions stayed pat last night in the first round of the NFL Draft and bet on the fact that their preferred pick would fall to them, and it turns out he did. At pick seventeen the Lions selected Blake Miller, OT out of Clemson. Let’s dig in on some of the key facts and perceptions about the number one pick.

Fact: He is an Iron-Man player with an amazing starting streak

Blake Miller was the epitome of health in his years at Clemson. He amassed fifty four straight starts, and three thousand seven hundred seventy eight snaps without missing any. This should be a breath of fresh air for Lions fans who have become accustomed to Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow who fought their buts off, but did struggle at least somewhat with health.

Fact: He missed only one practice in his entire time at Clemson

Not only was he durable in games, he rarely required injury management. He broke his wrist in one practice, had surgery and missed a practice, and returned to the next practice with the wrist wrapped in a club. This is the absolute definition of grit. To have the focus and determination to play a day or two after surgery is crazy.

Fact: He is Dr. Jimmy Liao MD of Detroit Lions Rounds approved

Dr. Liao has been a great reference point throughout free agency and the draft, and he has a clean grade on Miller with the only long term concern being from his wrist, and the potential for arthritis given the break. Personally (and I am NOT a doctor, haha) I think you just have to wait and see if it causes an issue, and I would consider it lower risk.

Perception: Blake Miller lacks the strength to hold up to bigger defensive lineman at times

I watched through the tape, and there is some validity to this perception. However when considering his athletic testing, I think getting him into a NFL conditioning program will take care of this issue. Consider his relative athletic score:

If you’re not familiar with RAS, this is not just elite testing. This is top one percent testing. This is why I am less concerned, combined with watching more tape. He will strengthen up where it matters and put this perception to bed.

Question: Will working next to a quality NFL guard improve him?

I think sometimes we don’t consider how much the player next to you on the line matters. I believe that Miller will benefit from slotting in next to Ratledge who now has a year of starting experience under his belt, and much improved technique. I think this immediately gives Miller a step forward coming to the Lions.

Perception: His footwork needs work

There has been talk about his technique and footwork. I fully expect this to be coached up by Hank Fraley. Fraley is no joke of an offensive line coach, and coming off of a down year for the offensive line, he has motivation to make this line better. I expect this to perhaps be a bit of an issue year one, but not beyond.

Fact: Miller will help the run game

When word on the street was Kadyn Proctor would be the pick, I was concerned about his agility and speed to get out in front of Gibbs and provide a block. This should be no concern for Miller who has shown he can support the run. Furthermore, add in Ratledge helping and I think the Lions will continue to run off the right side of the offensive line.

Fact: Miller’s grip strength is underrated as a tool

Miller, a multisport athlete, apparently has a grip of steel. Once he gets his hands on you he wont “hold” you, but he will keep you where you are. This should help heavily in the run game with repositioning defenders.

I was middling on Miller going into night one, with the questions of strength. However, after a deeper dive I think this was overblown. He should provide stability to the Lions offensive line moving forward.