When the Lions grabbed Christian Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it felt like a steal. Many draft experts had him going on Day 2, but whether it was injury concerns or just teams overthinking things, he slid way down the board—and Detroit was happy to take advantage.
Mahogany’s rookie year was already set to be a learning experience, but a bout of mononucleosis delayed things even more. He didn’t get activated until late October. Still, when he finally hit the field, he made the most of it. He started two games—one at each guard spot—and turned heads, especially against the Bears in Week 16 when he gave up just one pressure and earned one of the best Pro Football Focus grades of any guard that week.
Then came the Wild Card game against Washington. Thrust into the starting lineup again, this time for Kevin Zeitler, Mahogany looked like he belonged. He played with poise, strength, and delivered when it mattered—even if the game itself was a disappointment.
Now, with Zeitler gone to Tennessee and Frank Ragnow officially retired, Mahogany’s role is more important than ever. He’s projected to start at guard in 2025, and the Lions will be counting on him to bring stability to an interior offensive line that’s suddenly full of question marks. Rookie Tate Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow are also in the mix, likely shifting between guard and center, depending on how the competition shakes out.
Jared Goff’s success depends on a clean pocket—especially up the middle. So if Mahogany can build on what he showed in limited action last season, he could quietly become one of the most important players on this team. The Lions don’t need him to be a superstar. They just need him to be solid, reliable, and ready for the challenge.
And based on what we’ve seen so far? He might just be that guy.
Christian Mahogany’s Time Is Now: Lions Need Him to Anchor the O-Line
