Mason Miller’s journey from North Dakota State University (NDSU) to the NFL continues to draw attention from football fans and analysts. As an undrafted free agent signed by the Detroit Lions, Miller’s dedication, versatility, and college achievements have made him a player to watch as he looks to carve out a spot on an NFL roster.

Rising Through the Ranks at NDSU

Mason Miller’s football roots trace back to Ada, Minnesota, but it was at NDSU where his talent flourished. Over his college career, Miller started in 41 games, proving himself as a reliable part of one of the FCS’s top offenses. His final two seasons were especially notable. Miller played multiple positions on the offensive line, including right tackle and left guard, showcasing his adaptability and coachability.

In his senior season, Miller earned FCS All-American honors and a spot on the first-team All-MVFC. According to Sports Illustrated’s detailed profile, Miller allowed just one sack and committed only a single penalty throughout the regular season. His Pro Football Focus grades reflected his consistency, with a 79.9 pass-blocking rating and 74.9 in run-blocking for 2024.

A Smart Signing for the Detroit Lions

After the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, Mason Miller quickly inked a deal with the Detroit Lions. The connection was strengthened by his former offensive coordinator, Tyler Roehl, now serving as Detroit’s tight ends coach. Miller’s experience and ability to play multiple spots on the line made him especially appealing to the Lions, who are always hunting for versatile linemen to bolster their depth chart.

The Bison Report at 247Sports highlighted Miller’s winning pedigree at NDSU. He leaves the program as a two-time national champion, joining a growing list of former Bison linemen finding success in the NFL.

Strengths and Challenges Ahead

Mason Miller’s strengths are clear: he is experienced, highly coachable, and capable of playing all five offensive line positions. At 6'7", his size is NFL-ready, and his length gives him an advantage against defenders. Miller’s work ethic and perseverance were evident when he overcame a broken fibula in 2022, returning to start every game afterward.

Of course, challenges remain. Critics often point out the difference between FCS and NFL competition. While Miller impressed in college, he played only two games against Power Four teams. His athleticism has also been a topic of debate, with a Relative Athletic Score that ranks him in the middle tier among NFL guard prospects.

For a deeper look at Miller’s NFL transition and its significance for Bison alumni, read InForum’s article covering Miller and other NDSU players moving to the pros.

Looking Ahead: Rookie Minicamp and Beyond

Mason Miller is set to participate in Detroit’s rookie minicamp, with hopes of making his mark among a competitive group of undrafted free agents. With his former coach on staff and a strong collegiate resume, Miller stands a solid chance to impress during training camp and preseason activities.

Fans will be eager to see how Miller adapts to the challenges of NFL life. If his college career is any indication, he will bring determination and resilience every step of the way.

Conclusion

Mason Miller may have gone undrafted, but his story is far from over. As he continues his path with the Detroit Lions, both coaches and fans are optimistic that his versatility and grit will pay off. Keep an eye on Mason Miller—his NFL journey is just beginning, and the best may be yet to come.