Grading Lions’ selection of Christian Mahogany

Grading the Detroit Lions’ selection of Boston College University guard Christian Mahogany in the 2024 NFL Draft.

For the first time on Day 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions didn’t trade up. Instead, they sat where they were and took Boston College guard Christian Mahogany in the sixth round. This was the last pick for the Lions in the 2024 draft, and it could have the longest-lasting impact on the team.

At Boston College, he was an All-ACC Second Team in 2021 before improving to be on the All-ACC First Team in 2023 after he returned from a torn ACL in 2022. Per usual, if you have an injury history, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is interested in you. Last season, according to PFF, Mahogany was the 24th-ranked guard who played in at least 20 percent of snaps last season, with a grade of 74.9. When it comes to the type of blocking that fits him best, Mahogany is more of a pass-blocking guard, getting an 82.2 grade from PFF for pass-blocking, ranking him 31st. He also only allowed seven pressures on 394 snaps, and never once did he allow a sack last season.

That isn’t to say that run blocking is a major weakness for Mahogany, as he was ranked 30th in run blocking with a grade of 74.5. One spot Mahogany would need to improve on is penalties as he had five last season and 11 for his entire college career.

Like fellow rookie Giovanni Manu, Mahogany isn’t going to be expected to play on day one this season. The Lions needed depth at offensive guard with their starters of Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow both over the age of 30, and Zeitler on a one-year contract. Mahogany can take a year, play special teams, and get that gameday experience. Also, with Colby Sorsdal and Kayode Awosika as reserves with starting experience, Mahogany can compete with them both to see who could be a true backup guard.

Mahogany is a developmental player with starting potential, and he’ll help keep the aging offensive line young. The one thing that I wished Mahogany had in his arsenal is the ability to play center. His time at Boston College was at left guard in 2020 before moving over to right guard in 2021 and 2023. Detroit could use a backup center. While they technically have that in Glasgow, it would be easier to bring in a backup from the bench at center and leave Glasgow at guard instead of changing up the movement of the line with it.

Overall, Mahogany was an absolute steal for his draft position. Dane Brugler’s The Beast, had Mahogany in his top 100 list, and Detroit got him 210 overall. If he develops into a starter, this will go down as another iconic Brad Holmes Day 3 pick.

Grade: A-