The Detroit Lions have nine total picks in the 2026 draft, which will allow them to add several players at positions of need. The two biggest ones come at offensive tackle and edge, but that doesn't mean there aren't players at other positions who have to be worried.
Offensive line will be an area that gets attention, and there's a good chance that guard Christian Mahogany will have his world turned around following the draft. Especially with the rumors that have emerged regarding Detroit's interest upfront.
Lions Could Turn Christian Mahogany’s Life Around in 1 Week
The Lions drafted Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. He was sparingly used as a rookie before getting thrust into the starting lineup in 2025. Mahogany started in 11 games for the Lions but missed six games due to a broken bone in his lower leg. He suffered the injury in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, but even before going down, he was struggling.
Mahogany finished with a 59.7 overall grade (45th among 81 graded guards), 68.0 run-blocking grade (27th among 81 graded guards), and a 40.7 pass-blocking grade (77th among 81 graded guards) on Pro Football Focus. Across 699 offensive snaps, he allowed 27 pressures, six sacks, and five QB hits.
The Lions certainly want better protection up front, and they've been linked to multiple offensive linemen. The smoke around Alabama's Kadyn Proctor seems to be the highest, as the two spent time together during the pre-draft process. While Proctor is a left tackle, many draft experts believe he would be better suited for guard in the NFL.
While Mahogany could very well start at left tackle, the Lions have faith in Larry Borom to be a starter, which means that Proctor would battle with the veteran for the left guard spot. He's a mauler in the run game, standing at 6'6", weighing 358 pounds. While Proctor still needs work in pass protection, he is someone that the Lions are interested in.
Meanwhile, ESPN's Peter Schrager released a mock draft based on what he's hearing around the league and had the Lions taking Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane. He's widely considered one of the cleanest prospects in this class and would provide the Lions with a Day 1 starter along the interior.
Even if Detroit wants to wait until Round 2, Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge, Iowa's Gennings Dunker, Kentucky's Jalen Farmer, Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, and Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon could be options. There are plenty of players that the Lions could target to improve their offensive line.
The Lions gave Mahogany a chance to solidify his spot on the offensive line in 2025, but he wasn't able to answer the call. And with the draft one week away, there's a world where Detroit adds an IOL and turns things upside down for Mahogany.
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