The Lions' Offensive Line Shuffle: Why Blake Miller’s Battle for RT Matters More Than You Think
The Detroit Lions’ 2026 training camp is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and at the heart of it all is a question that’s got fans and analysts alike buzzing: Will Blake Miller win the starting right tackle job? On the surface, it’s a straightforward competition between a highly touted rookie and a seasoned veteran, Larry Borom. But if you take a step back and think about it, this battle is about so much more than just filling a position. It’s a microcosm of the Lions’ broader strategy under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, and it raises a deeper question: How do you balance long-term potential with immediate needs in the NFL?
The End of an Era and the Start of Something New
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the release of Taylor Decker. After five seasons of Sewell and Decker anchoring the offensive line, Decker’s departure marks the end of an era. Personally, I think this move was less about Decker’s performance and more about the Lions’ commitment to evolving their roster. Decker’s release, coupled with Dan Skipper’s retirement, created a ripple effect that forced the Lions to rethink their offensive tackle strategy.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Lions responded. Moving Penei Sewell to left tackle—his natural position—was a no-brainer, but the decision to draft Blake Miller at No. 17 and sign Larry Borom on the first day of free agency tells me the Lions are playing both the short and long game. Sewell and Miller could be the bookends of this line for years to come, but Borom’s presence adds a layer of flexibility that’s often overlooked.
Blake Miller: The Rookie with a Veteran’s Resume
Blake Miller isn’t your typical first-round pick. With 54 college starts under his belt, he’s as NFL-ready as they come. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism is rare, and his RAS score of 9.9 is a testament to his physical tools. But what many people don’t realize is that Miller’s experience could be the X-factor in this competition.
In my opinion, the Lions didn’t draft Miller to sit him. Historically, this regime has shown a willingness to throw first-round picks into the fire, and Miller’s spring practice reps at right tackle suggest he’s on track to start. But here’s the thing: even if Miller wins the job, it’s not just about his performance. It’s about what his presence allows the Lions to do elsewhere on the line.
Larry Borom: The Swiss Army Knife of Offensive Tackles
Larry Borom is the kind of player every team needs. He’s got starting experience at right tackle, left tackle, and guard, making him the ultimate swingman. From my perspective, Borom’s role isn’t just about competing for the starting job—it’s about providing depth and versatility. If Miller wins the starting role, Borom becomes the Lions’ OT3 and potentially their OL6 in jumbo sets.
What this really suggests is that the Lions are building a line that can adapt to any situation. Borom’s ability to play multiple positions gives them options, and his performance in Miami last season shows he’s more than capable of stepping in when needed. But here’s where it gets interesting: Borom’s role could also impact how the Lions approach their roster construction.
Giovanni Manu: The Forgotten Man?
Giovanni Manu’s situation is one that I find especially interesting. After a forgettable rookie season and an injury-shortened sophomore campaign, Manu is at a crossroads. The Lions have typically carried three offensive tackles on their active roster, and with Sewell, Miller, and Borom seemingly locked in, Manu’s path to a roster spot is anything but clear.
If you take a step back and think about it, Manu’s story is a reminder of just how cutthroat the NFL can be. He’ll need to show significant improvement in camp to challenge for the OT3 role, or the Lions might break from their usual roster construction and keep a fourth tackle. But even that feels like a long shot. What this really suggests is that the Lions’ offensive line room is deeper than it’s been in years, and that’s a good problem to have.
Cross-Training and the Future of the Line
One detail that I find especially interesting is the Lions’ commitment to cross-training their offensive linemen. Players like Colby Sorsdal, Miles Frazier, Mason Miller, and Melvin Priestly are all being prepared to play multiple positions, which adds another layer of depth to the roster.
This approach isn’t just about injury insurance—it’s about maximizing talent. Frazier, for example, has experience at both tackle and guard, and his upside could make him a key piece of the Lions’ future. Sorsdal, meanwhile, is positioning himself for a practice squad spot, but his ability to play inside and out makes him a valuable asset.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Lions
If there’s one thing that immediately stands out about the Lions’ offensive line situation, it’s the level of intentionality behind every move. From drafting Miller to signing Borom, every decision feels like part of a larger plan. But what this really suggests is that the Lions are building a line that can dominate for years to come.
Personally, I think the battle between Miller and Borom is just the tip of the iceberg. The real story here is how the Lions are positioning themselves for sustained success. Sewell and Miller could be the anchors of this line for the next decade, and Borom’s versatility gives them options few teams have.
Final Thoughts
As training camp approaches, the Lions’ offensive tackle competition is one I’ll be watching closely. But beyond the headlines, what fascinates me most is what this competition represents. It’s not just about who starts at right tackle—it’s about the Lions’ commitment to building a line that can adapt, evolve, and dominate.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that separates good teams from great ones. The Lions aren’t just filling positions; they’re building a foundation. And in a league where the offensive line is often the difference between winning and losing, that’s a strategy that could pay dividends for years to come.
