The Detroit Lions made a huge investment in the offensive line this offseason. They signed Cade Mays to be their new center and drafted Blake Miller in the first round to become their future right tackle.
Mays is essentially the unchallenged starter at center, but Miller has veteran Larry Borom to compete with at right tackle. However, during the first day of training camp on Wednesday, Miller had already assumed the starting role, playing what appeared to be every first-team rep at right tackle,
while Borom was reduced to reserve and jumbo formation roles.
That’s a significant shift from the spring, where Miller and Borom split reps daily. And it could be a sign that Miller has already done enough to warrant the majority of the starting reps for training camp.
“Definitely feel more comfortable. Things are coming a bit quicker,” Miller told media after the first day of practice. “That’s not to say that there’s still not more things to learn. I want to be able to just go out there, I want to be able to make the point in my head. Things just should be automatic. We’re still working to that point, but the guys that you have in that room, the veterans, and then coaches as well making themselves available, I have no doubt that I’ll be in a good spot.”
Detroit’s investment in the offensive line was for a good reason. After a couple years of dominant football, the unit took a significant step back last year. Jared Goff suffered a career-high 38 sacks (eighth most in NFL) and Detroit’s rushing success rate plummeted from 44.9% in 2024 (seventh) to 40.7% (21st).
Asking Miller to step in and immediately provide high-level play is a lot for a rookie, but the former Clemson Tiger comes to the NFL with far more experience than most. He started a whopping 54 games over four seasons.
And beyond that experience, he’s also bringing an all-in mentality. When asked if he feels like there’s pressure on him to help the offensive line reclaim its standards, he showed a clear devotion to doing whatever it takes.
“As any player, it’s a duty to your team, it’s a duty to God, a duty to your family—whoever it might be—you have a duty to be the best player that you can be for your teammates, for your family, for everybody, for the city of Detroit,” Miller said. “I have a duty to be the best player I can be.”
It’s far too early to say that Miller’s play on the field indicates he’ll be ready for Week 1. The pads have yet to come on, and Miller is still picking up the playbook. But with upcoming daily bouts against the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, and fellow rookie Derrick Moore, he’s certain to get a taste of the big challenges that await in the NFL.
