Christian Mahogany is on fast path to stardom within Lions' offensive line

The Detroit Lions have an offensive line in a major state of flux heading into the 2025 season, but fortunately, they also have multiple players capable of stepping up and seizing an opportunity.

Detroit's veterans have created the standard, and the young players waiting in the wings likely don't wanting to relinquish the franchise's status as a team with an elite offensive line. That lends to some motivation entering a new season.

One of the players who could be next up as it relates to starring up front is guard Christian Mahogany. PFF analyst Bradley Locker named Mahogany as a new top player and breakout star in the making, a major designation before this year.

"The former sixth-round pick wowed in limited time in 2024, registering a 91.5 overall PFF grade on 144 snaps between left and right guard. Mahogany slotted in the 99th percentile in PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets as well as the 97th percentile in negatively graded run-blocking play rate, revealing his well-rounded abilities."

"Detroit will be without two members of its starting IOL from a year ago in light of Frank Ragnow’s retirement, and GM Brad Holmes seems to have made it clear that Mahogany and rookie Tate Ratledge will be in for sizable workloads. Based on offensive line coach Hank Fraley’s skill in cultivating stars, Mahogany could be next up in the Motor City."

The pressure is on Mahogany not to become an instant star, but rather to be functional if he sees major time as a starter. If he has the goods to become the next stud up front in the NFL, that would obviously be a major development for Detroit. Already, he has shown some major chops that could prove he is ready to make a jump.

Why is Mahogany set up well to succeed? The Lions have done an exceptional job prepairng him and others to step in.

Hank Fraley sees opportunity knocking for multiple Lions linemen

While the biggest story up front will likely end up being who replaces Frank Ragnow at center, figuring out what happens at guard will be of major importance. The Lions have Tate Ratledge ready to step in as a rookie at either position, but veteran Graham Glasgow is ready to moonlight as well.

Ideally, Mahogany locks down one of the guard spots early, which will allow the Lions to remain flexible in their looks. No matter who plays where, Fraley sees the Lions as being in a good spot thanks to the competition that has been bread in the offensive line room.

"Competition brings out the best of the unit. It will weed out the weak too, the guys that just can't keep up. Talking with all our guys this year, there's a lot of opportunity for everybody and I think every year presents its own issues or opportunities, and every year is a different year. I'm always of the mindset and I believe I align with coach (Dan) Campbell (that) we're trying to play our best five, and how do those chips fall?"

Mahogany has receieved a crash course in this thinking for a year. It's time for fans to remember his name as it relates to Detroit's offensive line. He might parlay the hard-charging mindset the Lions have created in their locker room into instant stardom.