Blake Miller might be the draft answer to the Chiefs right tackle problem

Before the Trent McDuffie trade, there was plenty of reason to scoff at any mock draft that had the Chiefs drafting a tackle in the top two rounds. Every writer has seemingly forgotten that the Chiefs are paying $20 million for a right tackle this season, even after releasing Jawaan Taylor. However, it still didn't make sense simply because the Chiefs had bigger, more pressing needs with only 6 draft picks at the time. Now, all that has changed, and it might be worth revisiting a tackle selection early for the Chiefs.

"Just take the top tackle and lock down Mahomes' tackles for the rest of his career." That's a familiar refrain you might hear from a Chiefs fan advocating for a tackle at pick 9. The problem is the players who are actually available. If this were previous drafts with Penei Sewell or Joe Alt sitting on the board, the discussion would feel much more real. There's not a tackle prospect like that in this class. Francis Mauigoa is generally considered the top tackle in the group, but many experts see him kicking inside at the next level. That makes him a high-floor prospect for a team needing a good offensive lineman, but the Chiefs can't come away with a guard at pick 9.

There's not a name at No. 9 that moves us as a worthy pick to be the Chiefs' right tackle long term. Picks 29 and 40, however, are much more interesting because the Chiefs have a tough needle to thread with Jaylon Moore. If Moore plays well enough that you want to bring him back in 2027, he's primed to hit the market again and cash in. If he plays poorly, the Chiefs will let him walk out the door. Basically, the only way they can plan on retaining Moore at value is if he's good but not good enough—a tough place to be.

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NFL Draft Profile: Blake Miller, Tackle, Clemson

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-7

Weight: 317 LBS

Hand: 9 3/4 inches

Arms: 34 1/4 inches

Tape Exposure: LSU (2025), Louisville (2025), South Carolina (2025)

Shades of: Roger Rosengarten

Blake Miller's background

Miller grew up in Strongsville, Ohio, where he attended Strongsville High School and quickly became recognized as an all-district and all-region talent. He was also a state champion wrestler for Strongsville High. Miller was rated as a 3-star prospect via 247 Sports. He committed to Clemson over several other high-level offers. Miller started 54 games at Clemson after winning a starting job as a true freshman. Miller was frequently described as the captain of the Tigers' offensive line.

Blake Miller's strengths

Movement Skills

Miller might have the best feet of any tackle in the class. The lateral agility is explosive, and the quickness is impressive. He has a nice and smooth kick step that helps him gain depth against speed rushers and still has a decent anchor against power.

Draft Profile

A true senior with a wealth of starting experience, but still not too old to be capped with his upside. A state champion wrestling background is always beloved by offensive line coaches, and he is described as a leader and a tone setter. He played in Clemson's bowl game even after a disappointing season as a senior headed to the draft. He has a nasty streak in the run game and has ideal length and size for the position. A very clean projection to the league.

Hand Usage

Miller is a student of the game who is well-versed in hand fighting and how to use his advantages to the best of his ability. He creates natural space as a blocker with nice low hand placement. He adjusts well to hand fighting and adjusts his angles to match his opponent.

Blake Miller's weaknesses

Anchor

Miller has been on the draft radar for a while, but his ascension this year has been largely due to his improved strength. That being said, he can still be walked backward by power rushers and is a willing run blocker who struggles to finish blocks due to a lack of sand in the pants.

Pad Height

He looks the part of 6-7 on the field and can be out-leveraged by smaller pass rushers due to his play height. He needs to sink more in pass protection and tends to bend at the waist to reach for edge rushers rather than waiting for them to come into his very long arms.

Why Blake Miller Might be worth pick 29 or 40..

Too often, we measure players by their ceiling rather than their floor. Blake Miller's ceiling might not be as high as other tackles in the class, but of the top prospects, he might have the highest floor. It feels highly likely he will become a solid starting right tackle in the league. Pair that with the opportunity to at least get a few weeks of a redshirt year with Jaylon Moore starting, and it could be an ideal situation for him in Kansas City. His ability in pass protection and his length and movement skills make him a high-level fit for the Chiefs. Maintaining the ninth selection to use on another premium position while still having Nos. 29 or 40 to use on a tackle has to be considered.

Blake Miller is a durable right tackle with extensive starting experience who brings impressive mobility, awareness, and effort in both the run and pass game. He shows the quickness to mirror rushers and work in space, but inconsistent hand placement, balance, and an upright pad level can leave him vulnerable on the edge. Cleaning up his technique and adding strength will be key to reaching his potential as a reliable NFL starter.

Round Grade: Red Chip (2nd Round Grade)