'Magma-Hot,' Lions Got 'The Best Tackle in the Draft' with Blake Miller, Says NFL Exec

The Detroit Lions bolstered their offensive line in the first round of the NFL draft, selecting Clemson right tackle Blake Miller, and it wasn't much of a secret that upgrading at the position was their top priority.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "The Lions were making calls before the draft, and their plan was pretty clear—get ahead of the offensive tackle run. The expectation in league circles was that at least four tackles would go in the top 15 to 17 picks. Moving up two to four spots was an option for Detroit, which landed Miller at No. 17. Alabama's Kadyn Proctor was believed to be a target for Detroit. But Miller's name was magma-hot late in the process. 'He's the best tackle in the draft,' said one NFC exec."

Miller was a bit of an acquired taste, however. The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked him No. 35 on its final big board, for instance, and other executives weren't sold on the selection.

"[Penei] Sewell will be good wherever he plays, but I'm not sure Miller will end up being a tackle, depending what they ask of him," an executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "I do not think they got a lot better."

But the Lions felt he matched their physical, run-heavy identity.

"There's certain guys that, they might fit you, but they won't try to strain to stay connected. But Miller, that's why he's such a fit," general manager Brad Holmes told reporters. "I thought that he was one of the better run-blocking tackles in this draft for sure."