Detroit Lions Training Camp Battles: Predicting the Starting Right Tackle
· Yahoo Sports
The Detroit Lions have one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines, but one of the biggest questions entering training camp sits at right tackle.
With Penei Sewell shifting to left tackle following Taylor Decker’s departure, Detroit suddenly has a starting spot up for grabs on the opposite side. It’s one of the most important position battles on the roster, and it could have a major impact on the Lions’ offense throughout the 2026 season.
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Several players will compete for the job, but two names have separated themselves as the favorites.
Blake Miller vs. Larry Borom
At the top of the depth chart battle are rookieBlake Millerand veteran Larry Borom.
Miller represents the future.
Detroit invested a first-round pick in the former Clemson standout with the expectation that he would eventually become a cornerstone of the offensive line. His athleticism, size, and upside make him the obvious long-term answer at the position.
However, the Lions have never been a franchise that simply hands starting jobs to draft picks.
That’s where Borom enters the picture.
The veteran has valuable NFL experience and has already earned praise from the coaching staff for his versatility and reliability. If Miller experiences the typical growing pains many rookie offensive linemen face, Borom is more than capable of stepping into the lineup.
Don’t Forget About the Other Contenders
While Miller and Borom headline the competition, they aren’t the only players worth watching.
Giovanni Manu enters his third NFL season facing a pivotal training camp. Once viewed as a developmental project with tremendous physical tools, Manu has yet to make the leap many hoped he would. He’ll need a strong camp just to solidify his place on the 53-man roster.
Another name to monitor is Devin Cochran, who spent much of last season on Detroit’s practice squad. Cochran faces an uphill climb but could force his way into the conversation with a strong preseason.
Experience vs. Upside
This battle presents an interesting contrast.
Borom offers experience and stability.
Miller offers elite upside and the potential to become Detroit’s next long-term starter.
Given the Lions’ championship aspirations, the coaching staff won’t hesitate to play whichever player gives the offense the best chance to win, regardless of draft status.
That philosophy has been a hallmark of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes since they arrived in Detroit.
Prediction: Blake Miller Wins the Job
My prediction is that Blake Miller wins the starting right tackle job before Week 1 and never gives it back.
The Lions didn’t spend a first-round pick on Miller to have him sit indefinitely. While there will undoubtedly be a learning curve, his talent is simply too great to keep off the field.
That said, having Larry Borom waiting in the wings gives Detroit outstanding insurance.
If Miller struggles early or suffers an injury, the Lions have a veteran capable of stepping into the lineup without the offensive line missing a beat.
That’s exactly the kind of depth championship contenders need.
Bottom Line
The battle at right tackle may not generate the same headlines as some of the Lions’ skill position competitions, but it could prove to be one of the most important storylines of training camp.
Replacing a player like Taylor Decker is no small task, even with Penei Sewell sliding over to left tackle.
If Blake Miller develops as quickly as Detroit hopes, the Lions may once again boast one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for years to come.