The Detroit Lions, like many NFL teams this time of year, are trying to assemble their team for the upcoming season. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they made six picks, most of which they have already made deals with. They've also signed 15 undrafted free agents to help make their 90-man roster before they cut down to the eventual 53 for the regular season.
As of now, that's 21 rookies who have a chance to make an impact for the 2024 Lions team. But who will step up and make the leap?
Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have made it apparent in their last three years that maximizing rookie potential is something they pride themselves on. They've had three really good draft classes and have even done their best at getting the most out of a few undrafted free agents for a short time.
Concentrating on the draft selections specifically, we look at who the rookie sleeper is from this year's draft class and why. Out of all six draft picks, you probably have to look no further than the Lions' sixth-round, No. 210 overall pick, Christian Mahogany out of Boston College, their very last selection.
Christian Mahogany could make an immediate impact for the Lions in 2024
Coming into the 2024 NFL Draft, Boston College guard Christian Mahogany was a consensus top-100 prospect, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Brugler went on to say that “he plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands.” That's certainly one way to put it.
Mahogany was a three-year starter for the Eagles, racking up over 2,300 snaps, mostly at right guard. If not for a torn ACL in 2022 that cost him the entire season, he likely would have had a lot more than that. Returning from injury last season, he became one of the ACC's best blockers, giving up no sacks, no hits, and only seven hurries. He allowed just four sacks in all his time at Chestnut Hill.
He never graded lower than a 76 for pass blocking and went as high as 82.2, according to Pro Football Focus grades. While his run-blocking could use some work, grading 60 or below in four games last season, he graded at a 74.5 overall for his collegiate career.
Mahogany should fit in well with the Lions' already talented offensive line that was a consensus top five in the league last season. For one, he seems to fit the gap scheme that Detroit prefers to run, which is potentially why most of the other teams shied away from him. And two, as good as their offensive line is currently, they have two guards over 30 years old in Kevin Zeitler (34) and Graham Glasgow (almost 32). Plus, having offensive line depth is always a premium in the NFL.
“He’s got some dirtbag in him,” Holmes said, per the Detroit Free Press. “He’s just one of those tough Jersey kids that doesn’t take a lot of crap. He’s got some fun tape to watch, and he’s gone against some good defensive linemen and he’s boded well versus them. So, we were excited to get him.”
Mahogany rounded out the Lions' 2024 draft class with their very last pick. He's also one of three offensive linemen taken by Detroit, with British Columbia offensive tackle Giovanni Manu and LSU offensive tackle Mekhi Wingo also selected.
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