The New England Patriots, like the rest of the NFL, are edging inexorably toward the April 30 draft. The team's needs are piling up after getting steamrolled in the Super Bowl and then jettisoning several contributors. One of the team's greatest needs is at offensive tackle.
Among the most popular players mentioned in mock drafts for the Patriots is Blake Miller, an offensive tackle from Clemson. Yet, CBS Sports' Blake Brockermeyer isn't buying into the hype on Miller.
No matter who ultimately is selected, the need to draft one or more offensive tackles is undeniable. The 2025 Patriots' O-line surrendered 47 regular-season sacks and another total of 21 in the postseason. An exclamation point on those ugly stats came in the Super Bowl when they surrendered a horrendous six sacks, which, along with three turnovers, finished their Lombardi Trophy hopes.
Miller is one prospect whose name keeps popping up on lists of potential Patriots. The 6'7", 317-pound Miller is rated by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as the draft's fourth-best offensive tackle and the 25th-best player overall. That's a pretty fair rating for any player. If he happens to slip to pick No. 31, he'd seem like a great fit
CBS Sports' analyst rains on Blake Miller's parade
While the PFF stamp of approval is always a good sign (the Patriots' 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell was their No. 1-rated offensive tackle), one analyst is throwing cold water on Miller as a prospect. Brockermeyer says he doesn't "buy the hype."
"Blake Miller is an ironman and model of consistency, starting 54 games in four seasons at Clemson. He's a solid player who has improved each year and brings a professional approach to development. I don't see the athleticism or awareness for him to be an instant NFL starter at tackle. He struggles with hand timing in pass protection...also gets beat on the edge when he plays like a catcher instead of a striker. At times, he struggles to anchor.
He ends up on the ground too often in the run game and struggles to sync his hands and hips for maximum power. His inability to correct some of these issues, despite extensive experience, is concerning."
The issues pointed out should be of some concern. But few offensive tackles enter the NFL as sure-fire Day One starters like Campbell, and he had the "short-arm" and other so-called physical deficiencies thrown at him, as well. PFF had some positive comments on Miller.
"Miller has the frame and overall skill set of a potential starting NFL offensive tackle. His experience shows up in his patient, consistent pass protection, and if he continues to add strength, he can develop into an impact player."
If Miller is available at pick No. 31, he would be a solid choice for the Patriots. They need good, young offensive tackles, and he's one of the best in the 2026 draft. Also, the Patriots don't necessarily need Miller to start right away. He'll likely have time to be a swing back-up to both Campbell and 35-year-old Morgan Moses, at least for a season.
Alternatively, Max Iheanachor from Arizona State (who's rated OT No. 6 by PFF), with whom Head Coach Mike Vrabel spent a lot of time at the Sun Devils' Pro Day, is another option at 31. Regardless of who they select, if one of the top offensive tackles, such as Miller or Iheanachor, is available at pick No. 31, they should take him.
Protecting Drake Maye is the team's top priority, outweighing any other needs. The team needs depth at offensive tackle to accomplish this. It's an obvious choice.
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