Mason Miller Lions: An Underdog's Path To Detroit

Prof. Casper Runte

02 Aug, 2025

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Have you been wondering about the latest additions to the Detroit Lions' roster, especially those players who really had to earn their spot? So, there's a player, Mason Miller, who is no stranger to building trust, you know, with coaches and teammates. He showed this dedication over five seasons at North Dakota State, where he changed a whole lot, moving from being a raw, very tall former basketball player into a football player who could really perform. This kind of background, honestly, makes his story with the Lions quite interesting to follow.

His journey to the Detroit Lions is, in a way, a story of persistence and showing what you can do. While another player, Zabel, was picked a bit earlier in the draft, Mason Miller, his teammate, signed a contract with the Lions just minutes after the draft finished. This shows, perhaps, how quickly things can happen for players who are ready to make a move. He's an offensive lineman, number 63, and his experience is something the team is surely looking at closely.

This piece will give you a good look at Mason Miller and his connection to the Detroit Lions. We'll talk about his path from college, what his contract means, and where he fits in with the team as training camp gets going. You'll get a better idea, pretty much, of what makes him a player to watch for fans of the Lions and football in general.

Mason Miller's Journey to the Detroit Lions
- Early Days and NDSU Transformation
- The NFL Draft Experience
Mason Miller: Personal Details and Bio Data
Fitting In: Mason Miller and the Lions' Offensive Line
People Also Ask About Mason Miller Lions
Looking Ahead for Mason Miller and the Lions

Mason Miller's Journey to the Detroit Lions

Mason Miller's path to the Detroit Lions is, in some respects, quite interesting. He spent a fair amount of time, five seasons to be exact, at North Dakota State. During his time there, he really worked to earn the trust of those around him. This process of earning trust is something he's quite familiar with, you know. It shows a lot about his character and his willingness to put in the effort required.

Early Days and NDSU Transformation

When Mason Miller first arrived at North Dakota State, he was, apparently, a former basketball prospect. This means he came from a different sport, which is, in a way, a big change. He was described as being a bit raw, perhaps not fully polished for football, and also quite oversized for the sport initially. But over those five seasons, he underwent a significant transformation. He truly changed into an all-around football player, which, frankly, takes a lot of dedication and hard work. His ability to adapt and grow is pretty clear from this.

The fact that he started out as a basketball player and then turned into a strong offensive lineman shows a kind of versatility. It's not every day you see someone make that kind of switch and then perform at a high level. This background, you know, could actually give him a unique perspective on movement and positioning on the field. He certainly put in the time to make that change happen, and that is something to really consider.

The NFL Draft Experience

The NFL Draft is a very big moment for college players, and Mason Miller's experience was a bit different from some. His teammate, Zabel, was chosen earlier, about 11 picks before the Detroit Lions were set to pick in the first round. But for Mason Miller, things happened very quickly after the draft concluded. He, in fact, signed a contract with the Detroit Lions just minutes after the draft ended. This is a common way for teams to add talent that wasn't drafted but was still highly thought of.

Being signed as an undrafted free agent means he wasn't selected in the seven rounds of the draft, yet a team still wanted him. North Dakota State offensive tackle Mason Miller, as a matter of fact, officially signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. This shows that the Lions saw something in him, a potential that they wanted to bring into their team. It's a path that many successful NFL players have taken, too, it's almost a tradition for some.

Mason Miller: Personal Details and Bio Data

Here is some information about Mason Miller, based on what we know from various reports. This table provides a quick look at some key details about him as he joins the Detroit Lions.

Detail	Information
Name	Mason Miller
Team	Detroit Lions
Position	Offensive Tackle (OL)
Jersey Number	#63
College	North Dakota State (NDSU)
Draft Status	Undrafted Free Agent (2025 NFL Draft)
Previous Sport	Basketball (former prospect)
Contract Length	3 years
Total Contract Value	$2,975,000
Signing Bonus	$10,000
Guaranteed Money	$30,000
Average Annual Salary	$991,667

Fitting In: Mason Miller and the Lions' Offensive Line

The Detroit Lions' offensive line is a key part of their team, and Mason Miller will be looking to find his place there. Every player on the line has a job to do, and new additions like Miller are always trying to show they can contribute. His background, as we've talked about, gives him a pretty unique starting point, which could be an asset.

Contract Details and Financials

Mason Miller, as a matter of fact, signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions. This deal is worth a total of $2,975,000. It includes a signing bonus of $10,000, which is money he received just for signing the contract. There's also $30,000 that is guaranteed money, meaning he's sure to get that amount regardless of what happens. His average yearly salary works out to be about $991,667, which is, you know, a pretty standard amount for undrafted free agents getting their start.

These financial details give us a sense of the team's initial commitment to him. While the guaranteed money might seem somewhat small compared to drafted players, it's a vote of confidence from the team. It shows they believe he has a real chance to make an impact. For a player who wasn't drafted, getting any guaranteed money is, in fact, a good sign, and it gives him a solid foundation to build upon.

An Underdog's Advantage: Training Camp Outlook

Lions rookie Mason Miller is, apparently, entering training camp as a bit of an underdog. This means he's not expected by many to be a starter right away, or even to make the roster easily. However, he does have what's been called a "hidden advantage." This advantage could be his experience earning trust over many seasons, or perhaps his unique journey from basketball. It's something that could help him stand out, really.

Projections for the Lions' depth chart coming out of the NFL Draft have started to appear. Mlive's projected depth chart for the Lions, for instance, includes another rookie, Ratledge, as a starter. ESPN's projections also list Ratledge as a starter. Ratledge is, in fact, the only Detroit rookie currently projected as a starter. This means Mason Miller will be working hard to prove he belongs, and he'll be competing with other players for a spot. His underdog status might just fuel him, you know, to work even harder.

His background of transforming from a basketball player into a football lineman means he's had to learn a lot and adapt. This ability to learn and change could be that hidden advantage. It suggests he's someone who can pick things up quickly and improve over time. Training camp will be a crucial period for him to show coaches what he can do, and how much he has grown as a player.

What Comes Next for the Lions' New Blocker

For Mason Miller, what comes next is, obviously, training camp and the preseason games. This is where he will get his chance to show the coaching staff his abilities. He'll be working with the team's offensive line coaches to refine his technique and learn the team's schemes. Every practice and every rep will be important for him, pretty much, to make a lasting impression.

The goal for an undrafted free agent like Miller is to make the final 53-man roster, or at least earn a spot on the practice squad. The Lions are signing North Dakota State OL, which means they see potential. His performance in camp will determine how far he goes this season. Fans will be watching to see if his past ability to earn trust and transform his game can help him secure a spot with the team.

Looking Ahead for Mason Miller and the Lions

Mason Miller's story with the Detroit Lions is just beginning, really. He brings a unique background and a proven ability to earn trust and adapt. As training camp gets underway, all eyes will be on how he competes for a spot on the offensive line. His journey from a raw basketball player to an NFL prospect is, frankly, something to admire.

The Lions are always looking for players who can contribute, regardless of how they arrive. Mason Miller's contract and his "underdog" status set the stage for an interesting training camp battle. His commitment to transforming his game at North Dakota State suggests he's ready for this next challenge. We'll be watching to see how he continues to earn his place with the team.