2026 NFL Draft day is in the books. Everyone got better, except the Packers.
Detroit Lions Pick 17 OT Blake Miller (Clemson)
6’7 317 pounds
Super athletic and former wrestler, very high character and very experienced right tackle from Clemson. Great RAS, great production and can run and pass block. Lions are set for years with two stud tackles after replacing Decker (age, about to retire and cap cut). Sewell moves to the left side for stud book ends in Detroit with good depth in swing tackle Larry Borom. Miller was a perfect match for Detroit and what they want in a tackle.
About
- Career: Three-time All-ACC (first team 2024–25, third team 2023)
- Career: Clemson record-holder for snaps from scrimmage (3,778 in 54 games, all starts)
Strengths
- Solidly built; not much bad weight on his frame.
- Gets off the ball and into defenders in a hurry in the run game.
- Easy depth in sets to match speedier rushers.
Weaknesses
- Plays high in most aspects of the position.
- Lacks fluidity in his hips to ride defenders who get to his edges.
- Often struggled to alter course in space and find defenders as a puller.
Combine Data
- 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
- Bench press: 32 reps
- Vertical jump: 32 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
Pick 18 Minnesota Vikings DT Caleb Banks (Florida)
6’6 327 pounds
Vikings cut Jonathan Alle and Javon Hargrave in cap moves. Caleb Banks replaced one of them.
Pro comparison: Dexter Lawrence
Caleb Banks is a physically imposing defensive lineman who blends massive size with rare, twitchy athleticism. Although foot injuries sidelined him for much of 2025, his dominant performance at the Senior Bowl reminded scouts of his high-end potential. He’s a disruptive force who can overpower blockers with his heavy hands or use his surprisingly quick feet to shoot gaps and collapse the pocket.
About
- 2025: Limited to three games due to a broken foot
- 2024: Ranked top five in the SEC in pressures among IDL (29)
Strengths
- Uses heavy hands and leverage to consistently force pocket re-anchors.
- Displays rare quick-twitch and lateral agility for a 330-pound frame.
- Strong grip and active hands allow him to disengage quickly from blocks.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally plays too high, which can compromise his leverage.
- Multiple foot surgeries have significantly limited his recent playing time.
Combine Data
- 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
- Vertical jump: 32 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 6 inches
Chicago Bears Pick 25 Safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon and Purdue)
6’0 201 pounds
Safe pick for the Bears replacing Brisker and Byard this offseason. Will pair with signed free agency Coby Bryant for a new safety duo in Chicago. High character and very athletic and production.
Pro Comparison: Jordan Poyer
Summary
Dillon Thieneman burst onto the scene as a freshman at Purdue. The high-end athlete with tremendous production filled a major need for the Ducks and is likely to step into a starting role in the NFL. He shows the range and versatility to fill multiple roles but must refine his tackling form to maximize his potential. Thieneman is an instinctive player who can create turnovers at the next level.
About
- 2023-25: 306 tackles (third-most in FBS; most among DB)
- 2023: 6 INT (tied for third-most in FBS in first season at Purdue)
Strengths
- Quick trigger to play downhill in run support.
- Versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary.
- High-IQ player who often finds himself in the right place at the right time.
Weaknesses
- Often tackles low or to the side instead of using proper form (12.7% missed tackle rate in 2025, per TruMedia).
- Paths to the football can occasionally be indirect.
- Change of direction and recovery speed can take an extra beat.
Combine Data
- 40-yard dash: 4.35 seconds
- Bench press: 18 reps
- Vertical jump: 41 inches
- Broad jump: 10 feet, 5 inches
The Lions, Bears and Vikings all improved. Day 2 of the draft is tonight at 7 PM ET for Rounds 2 and 3.
Lions have pick 50 in Round 2
Vikings have pick 49 in Round 2, 82 and pick 97 in Round 3
Bears have pick 57, 60 in Round 2 and pick 89 in Round 3.
Packers have pick 52 in Round 2 and pick 84 in Round 3.
Plenty of talent left to add future contributors/good players in the North.