Blake Miller’s NFL career has barely begun, as the former Clemson offensive tackle has gone through the offseason workout program but has yet to play his first professional game after being selected by the Detroit Lions in April’s draft.

However, the first-round pick (No. 17 overall) seems to already be impressing his new coaches, including Dan Campbell.

Campbell, the sixth-year Lions head man, was asked for his early impressions of Miller after the team finished up OTAs (organized team activities) on June 11.

Campbell says Miller possesses the “right” mindset in the way he goes about his business.

“He wants to do it right,” Campbell said. “He tries to do what you ask him to do, what he’s coached to do. It’s just, it’s early. There’s things he learns every day. Look, even for not being a physical aspect to this with pads, that D-line doesn’t cut him really any slack, either. So, whoever lines up over him is trying to [make things tough on him].

“That’s kind of part of it. So, [offensive tackle Penei] Sewell went through it a little bit, Hutch [defensive end Aidan Hutchinson] went through it a little bit. They just kind of all want their [good reps]. Not in a bad way. So, he’s learning. And as long as he continues to grow and just take these small steps every day, he’ll be fine.”

Miller was a mainstay on Clemson’s offensive line for the last four seasons, breaking the Clemson record for career snaps from scrimmage by playing 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 career games (all starts) from 2022-25.

A three-time All-ACC selection, he started every game Clemson played in his entire four-year career and set the Clemson record for consecutive starts by a non-specialist with 54. 

Miller became Clemson’s highest-selected offensive lineman since 1960, when Lou Cordileone was selected by the New York Giants with the No. 12 overall pick and Harold Olson was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the No. 13 overall pick.

The 6-foot-6, 317-pound rookie has a chance to start right away for the Lions. Detroit moved the All-Pro Sewell to left tackle to fill the void left by the departure of veteran Taylor Decker, opening up the right tackle spot, where Miller is competing with sixth-year man Larry Borom for the starting job.

Lions run game coordinator/offensive line coach Hank Fraley shared his early impressions of Miller, as well.

“I like where he’s at,” Fraley said. “It’s not perfect. He’s making some mistakes here and there. But the impression I’ve gotten, though, is he’s coachable. … He’s able to adjust and clean that up, and that’s what you want to see with anybody.”

“He’s willing, he’s hungry,” Fraley added. “He’s quiet. He listens, from myself, from whoever’s coaching him. He’s taking it all in.”