Lions put finishing touches on draft haul by adding depth, 'dirtbag' to offensive line

Allen Park — Wrapping up the team's draft class with its final scheduled pick of the draft's third day, the Lions added guard Christian Mahogany with the No. 210 overall pick.

Splitting time between left and right guard at Boston College, Mahogany started 34 games across four seasons, missing the 2022 campaign after suffering a torn ACL.

Projected by many analysts as a potential Day 2 pick, Lions general manager Brad Holmes said he was "shocked" to see Mahogany available to the team in the sixth round.

"I could probably point out a thing here or there that might have been a reason that we'll keep internally," Holmes said. "But there were other players I probably had a lot more questions on that went (ahead of him). I just know he fits how we want to play. He's a tough, physical — you know, he's got some dirtbag in him. He's just one of those tough Jersey kids and he doesn't take a lot of crap. He's got some fun tape to watch."

Dane Brugler, draft analyst for The Athletic, similarly summed up Mahogany's playing style in the publication's draft guide.

"He plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands," Brugler wrote.

While being called a "dirtbag" might seem unflattering, Mahogany took Holmes' assessment as a compliment.

"It's something I really pride myself on and I'm just glad Mr. Holmes saw it, as well as Coach (Dan) Campbell," Mahogany said. "That's something I pride myself on and I look forward to bringing it to the National Football League."

Mahogany wasn't upset by his perceived slide, saying Detroit was one of the teams he circled as an ideal landing spot ahead of the draft. He praised the strength of the unit he's joining and the wealth of veteran knowledge he'll be able to soak up just by being around the group.

"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "I really do feel like this is one of the best spots for me. I probably said that before the draft started, before the whole pre-draft process started, just being able to get picked where I got picked, it's a blessing in itself. I'm glad it was Detroit."

Mahogany adds depth along the interior of Detroit's offensive line behind starters Graham Glasgow and Kevin Zeitler. The newcomer will compete with Kayode Awosika and 2023 fifth-round pick Colby Sorsdal for positioning on the depth chart this offseason.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers