The Detroit Lions have work to do along the offensive line, and the NFL draft provides them with a great outlet to improve that area of the team. Offensive tackle looks like an area of focus, as the Lions are considering moving Penei Sewell to left tackle, putting Larry Borom's outlook for 2026 in question.
While that is something that needs clarity, Christian Mahogany is someone else who should be looking over his shoulder.
There's no guarantee that he'll be a starter for this team next season, and the draft will play a role in that. ESPN's Peter Schrager released his first mock draft, and he had the Lions taking guard Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State. It's important to note that Schrager said this mock draft is "based on what I'm hearing, rather than what I would personally do at each slot."
Considering he's one of the most plugged-in analysts in NFL media, this is certainly telling and could be bad for Mahogany.
Lions Might View Christian Mahogany in a New Light After NFL Draft
Ioane is viewed as one of the best players in this class and is an immediate plug-and-play. He has a great balance and technique that allows him to move defenders off their spots. Ioane is projected to have a high floor and would slot in at left guard.
And if the Lions nab him with the 17th overall pick, it would push Mahogany to the bench. As a rookie in 2024, he flashed, logging a 91.5 overall grade, 78.7 pass-blocking grade, and a 91.1 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus. Things took a turn last year as Mahogany missed time with a leg injury. Even though he made 11 starts, his production reverted.
On PFF, he tallied a 59.7 overall grade, 68.0 run-blocking grade, and a 40.7 pass-blocking grade, while giving up 27 pressures and six sacks. That's also him playing in a career-high 699 offensive snaps.
In an extended role, he didn't look like the same player from the year prior, and with the Lions needing more stability upfront, Detroit could look to find an upgrade for Mahogany.
The Lions also have a second-round pick (No. 50) and two fourth-round picks (No. 118 & 128), where they could find options at guard.
Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon (No. 39), Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M (No. 43), and Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech (No. 65) are some options in Round 2. Meanwhile, Billy Schrauth of Notre Dame (No. 130) and Beau Stephens of Iowa (No. 147) are some other names on the NFL Mock Draft Database that Detroit could think about adding on Day 3.
Time will tell if the Lions add at guard, but if they do, Mahogany's outlook could look drastically different after the draft.