By Blessing 
If you’ve found yourself stressing about the Lions’ offensive line this offseason, you’re definitely not alone. Maybe you’ve even tried calming yourself with deep breaths—only to realize it’s been a rough few months watching nearly half the starting core disappear for a variety of reasons. It’s fair to say things have looked… less than ideal.
But hey, there’s finally a silver lining. Pro Football Focus just released its 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, naming one rising star from each team—and yes, the Lions made the list. Even better, the breakout candidate happens to play on the offensive line. And let’s be honest, at this point, any good news about the O-line is worth celebrating.
The Lions’ O-Line Might Have a Quiet Hero in the Making
After Kevin Zeitler’s departure to Tennessee, Detroit’s depth at guard definitely took a hit. But there’s reason to believe it’s not all doom and gloom. According to PFF, the Lions might already have a promising solution in Atonio Mafi Mahogany, a sixth-round pick who quietly impressed in limited snaps last season.
“After the Lions lost the aforementioned Zeitler to Tennessee, the team’s depth at guard took a hit. Nonetheless, Detroit can still be comfortable with the state of the position given how Mahogany performed as a rookie,” the report states.
Mahogany’s numbers? They speak for themselves. He earned a 91.5 overall PFF grade over just 144 snaps, playing both left and right guard. Even more impressive, he ranked in the 99th percentile in pass-blocking on true pass sets, and 97th percentile in avoiding negatively graded run blocks. Translation: this guy’s balanced, smart, and ready.
With Frank Ragnow’s retirement also shaking up the interior offensive line, it looks like Mahogany—and rookie Tate Ratledge—will be thrown into the fire this year. Fortunately, Detroit has offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who’s built a reputation for turning raw talent into frontline warriors.
“Based on offensive line coach Hank Fraley’s skill in cultivating stars, Mahogany could be next up in the Motor City,” PFF added.
Let’s be honest—I’m not a PFF guru, but seeing “97th percentile” next to a Lions lineman feels like winning a mini lottery. Losing two starters in the same offseason is rough, but if Mahogany and Ratledge step up like many hope, Detroit might turn this setback into a surprise strength.
Dan Campbell’s legend—and Fraley’s too—could seriously grow if this all pans out. The Lions are desperate for a breakout star this season, and who’s to say it won’t come from the trenches?
I’m not saying my mental health hinges on a Mahogany breakout season… but okay, maybe that’s exactly what I’m saying.