Clemson's Blake Miller taken in round one by Detroit Lions
Clemson Football now has its first-round draft pick on the offensive line.
Thursday night former Tiger offensive tackle Blake Miller was taken as the 17th overall pick in the draft by the Detroit Lions. Miller, whose stock had steadily risen this spring since his appearance at the NFL Combine in February, had been widely projected as a first-rounder.
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Miller becomes Clemson’s highest-rated draft pick among offensive linemen since Harold Olson in 1960 who was selected 13th overall, though Olson was the first pick of the second round that year.
Jackson Carman, a former five-star prospect according to Rivals, was previously the program’s highest-rated draft pick among offensive linemen in the Dabo Swinney era after taken in round two as the 46th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Said Swinney following Miller’s selection: “Blake Miller is one of one. I’ve never really had one like him. On the offensive line, I’ve had second-rounders, third-rounders, fourth-rounders, every round you can think, but he’s my first first-round offensive lineman, and, boy, is he worthy.
“He is big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s a leader, and he’s one of the most committed guys I’ve ever coached. He’s a finisher. He was a captain for us. This guy started every game of his entire career from being a true freshman all the way through his senior year. He only missed two practices in his whole career, never missed a game. So, man, I think he’s got day one ability. I think he walks in and he helps their football team the day he gets there.”
Miller, a Strongsville (OH) native, entered the spring with all the credentials, having been selected on the All-ACC team three years with nearly 4,000 snaps and 54 starts in his career.
The former four-star recruit was billed by Rivals as the nation’s 124th prospect overall regardless of position out of high school. The network rated Miller 10th nationally among offensive tackle prospects and sixth overall regardless of position in the state of Ohio.
“They’re getting a true professional in every sense, said Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke. “He consistently takes care of his business from his physical preparation and nutrition to his approach to the game. His durability and commitment are unmatched, having played in 54 consecutive games without missing one, and missing only two practices over four years.
“Blake is an exceptional person and an outstanding player, making him a very low-risk addition. He will be a leader both in the locker room and in the community. He’s an all-around high-character individual and competitor.”
Miller becomes the 19th first-rounder drafted under Swinney.
The Tigers have now had at least one first-round selection in 11 of the last 14 years.
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Clemson has now had at least one player drafted for 24 consecutive years.
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