Blake Miller Draft Grade | Round 1, Pick 17 | FanVerdicts

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Sentiment

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Fan Verdict

Sentiment Analysis

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #29 · 1st Round Talent

Blake Miller transformed from a raw developmental prospect into Clemson's cornerstone left tackle over four seasons in Death Valley. The South Carolina native steadily progressed from a backup role as a freshman to becoming the Tigers' most reliable pass protector, anchoring an offensive line that protected elite quarterbacks in high-pressure ACC and College Football Playoff environments. Miller's combination of elite length, natural hand placement, and football IQ makes him an intriguing Day 1 starter candidate. His ability to neutralize premier pass rushers while excelling in both gap and zone blocking schemes has scouts projecting him as a franchise cornerstone. However, questions remain about his recovery speed against elite NFL edge rushers and consistency in maintaining proper knee bend throughout extended pass sets.

Strengths

+Exceptional arm length and wingspan create massive strike zone, allowing him to engage pass rushers before they can establish leverage or deploy hand techniques effectively.

+Outstanding hand placement and timing consistently targets defender chest plates, maintaining proper spacing and leverage throughout pass protection sequences.

+Elite anchor strength allows him to absorb bull rushes from premier defensive ends without surrendering pocket depth or quarterback positioning.

+Demonstrates advanced football IQ in pre-snap recognition, consistently identifying stunts, twists, and blitz packages to adjust protection calls and assignments.

+Excellent in gap scheme run blocking, generating impressive movement on down blocks and combination blocks to create vertical displacement.

+Shows remarkable consistency in kick slide technique, maintaining proper knee bend and base width to mirror speed rushers around the edge.

+Displays impressive recovery ability when initially beaten, using length and hand strength to re-establish contact and redirect pass rushers past the pocket.

+Strong performance against top-tier ACC competition including consistent success against elite pass rushers from Miami, Florida State, and North Carolina State.

+Leadership qualities evident through communication and line calls, serving as primary protection identifier and adjustment communicator.

+Versatility to play both tackle positions effectively, though projects best as left tackle in NFL systems requiring mobility and pass protection specialization.

+Excellent in zone blocking concepts, demonstrating ability to work to second level linebackers while maintaining proper climbing angles and leverage.

+Shows rare competitive toughness and finishing ability, consistently working to pancake defenders and sustain blocks through whistle.

Weaknesses

-Struggles with initial quickness off the snap, often giving speed rushers early advantage in the race around the edge before recovering with length.

-Inconsistent knee bend throughout extended pass sets leads to balance issues and vulnerability to inside counter moves from experienced pass rushers.

-Limited mobility in space makes him less effective on stretch plays and outside zone concepts requiring lateral movement and reach blocking.

-Susceptible to inside spin moves and counter rushes when pass rushers successfully set up his kick slide with outside moves first.

-Occasional lapses in concentration lead to missed assignments in complex protection schemes, particularly against delayed blitzers and coverage disguises.

-Needs improvement in punch timing against quicker defensive ends who can slip punches and create inside rushing lanes.

-Recovery speed becomes problematic against elite NFL-caliber edge rushers who can accelerate past his initial contact point.

-Sometimes over-aggressive in run blocking leads to holding penalties and loss of leverage against defensive ends with strong hand usage.

NFL Comparison: Taylor Lewan

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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