The Detroit Lions head into the 2026 NFL Draft with nine total selections, giving the organization plenty of opportunities to strengthen areas of concern. Offensive tackle and edge rusher are widely viewed as the most pressing needs, but that doesn’t mean players at other positions can feel completely secure about their roles.

One unit expected to draw significant attention is the offensive line. Because of Detroit’s reported interest in several linemen ahead of the draft, guard Christian Mahogany could see his situation change quickly depending on how the team approaches the position.

Mahogany’s Role Could Change Quickly

Detroit selected Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. His rookie season featured limited playing time, but he was pushed into a larger role in 2025 when he eventually became a starter. Mahogany appeared in 11 games that season but missed six contests after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg during a Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Even before the injury, however, his performance had been inconsistent.

According to evaluations from Pro Football Focus, Mahogany posted a 59.7 overall grade, ranking 45th among 81 guards. His run-blocking grade of 68.0 placed him 27th, but his pass protection struggled significantly, earning a 40.7 mark that ranked 77th at the position. Over 699 offensive snaps, he surrendered 27 pressures, six sacks, and five quarterback hits.

Detroit Exploring Other Options

Improving protection along the offensive front appears to be a priority for Detroit, and several linemen have been connected to the team in pre-draft discussions. One name frequently mentioned is Kadyn Proctor from University of Alabama football. The Lions have spent time evaluating him during the draft process, fueling speculation about their interest.

Proctor played left tackle in college, but many analysts believe his skill set may translate better to guard at the professional level. While Mahogany could still compete for a starting job, the Lions reportedly trust veteran Larry Borom as a potential option, which could create a battle for the left guard position if Proctor were added.

At 6-foot-6 and roughly 358 pounds, Proctor is known for his physical run blocking. Though his pass protection still needs refinement, his size and power make him an intriguing prospect for Detroit’s scheme.

Other Draft Possibilities

Draft analyst Peter Schrager of ESPN recently released a mock draft based on league sources and projected Detroit selecting Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State Nittany Lions football. Ioane is widely regarded as one of the most technically sound interior linemen in the class and could potentially step into a starting role immediately.

If the Lions choose to address the position later, several other prospects could be available in the second round or beyond. Names often mentioned include Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football, Gennings Dunker from Iowa Hawkeyes football, Jalen Farmer from Kentucky Wildcats football, Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M Aggies football, and Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon Ducks football.

With numerous potential targets available, Detroit has several paths to upgrade the offensive line during the draft.

Draft Could Shift Mahogany’s Future

Detroit gave Mahogany the opportunity to claim a permanent starting role during the 2025 season, but his performance left room for improvement. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching quickly, the Lions could easily bring in new interior line competition — a move that might significantly reshape Mahogany’s place on the roster.