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The Detroit Lions have had one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive lines over the past few years — but that reputation is teetering on the edge going into 2025. With veteran pillars Kevin Zeitler off to Tennessee and Frank Ragnow unexpectedly hanging up his cleats, the heart of Detroit’s interior line has all but vanished.
Now, it’s time for someone new to step into the fire. And if Pro Football Focus is to be believed, that someone might just be Christian Mahogany.
💪 A Big Ask for a Second-Year Guard
Christian Mahogany wasn’t a headliner in his rookie year. He only made two starts in 2024, and for most fans, his name likely faded into the depth chart clutter. But the numbers? They tell a much more interesting story.
According to PFF, Mahogany flashed real upside when given opportunities — good enough, in fact, to earn a spot on their list of top breakout candidates for 2025 among all NFL offensive linemen. That’s no small praise for a guy who entered last season as an unproven sixth-round pick.
🚧 Patchwork Interior, High Stakes
The situation he’s stepping into is, let’s be honest, messy.
Penei Sewell is still rock-solid on the right, and Taylor Decker’s holding it down on the left. But between them? The interior is a swirling mix of questions.
- Graham Glasgow — dependable but aging.
- Tate Ratledge & Giovanni Manu — rookies with no NFL snaps.
- Trystan Colon — a journeyman rotational piece.
In short, Detroit doesn’t have many sure things inside the trenches. Which is exactly why Mahogany’s development matters so much. If he can build on those promising flashes from 2024, the Lions may not just plug a hole — they could find themselves a long-term foundational guard.
🔥 Potential to Keep the Fire Burning
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Lions’ offensive line is the engine of their success. Jared Goff’s rhythm? The ground game? It all starts up front. And as explosive as guys like Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown are, they’re not doing much if Goff is running for his life.
That’s why Mahogany’s growth is one of the biggest X-factors for the 2025 season. If he struggles, this unit could go from elite to average — or worse. But if he thrives?
Well, Detroit might just have another homegrown mauler ready to take the baton.
Bottom line: He’s not a household name yet. But Christian Mahogany is about to get every chance to become one.