The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been a backbone of the team, but after a shaky 2024 on the interior, things are getting a serious makeover — and Christian Mahogany is right in the middle of it.
Drafted in the fifth round last year, Mahogany was seen as a potential long-term replacement at right guard. But after an up-and-down rookie season and the loss of veteran Kevin Zeitler, the Lions weren’t content to stand pat. They used two of their first five picks in the 2025 draft to bring in more competition: Georgia’s Tate Ratledge (Round 2) and LSU’s Miles Frazier (Round 5).
Translation? Mahogany now finds himself in a heated three-way battle for the starting job.
Mahogany has flashed promise as a physical run blocker, but pass protection and penalties were issues in his first year. Heading into training camp, he’ll need to clean up his footwork, improve communication on stunts, and keep the flags in his pocket to hold off Ratledge and Frazier.
New offensive coordinator John Morton could also shake things up scheme-wise, which may favor athletic linemen like Ratledge, known for getting to the second level and thriving in space.
Bottom line: Mahogany’s no longer the presumed starter. Year 2 will be his proving ground — either he locks down the job or risks slipping into a backup role on a team with its eyes set on a deep playoff run.
Christian Mahogany Faces Make-or-Break Year in Lions’ O-line Battle
