Lions' breakout candidate will help make up for loss of Frank Ragnow

The mighty Detroit Lions offensive line was severely declawed this offseason, as the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow coupled with the decision not to retain newly-minted Tennessee Titans guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency has taken a big bite out of this unit's overall quality.

While the Lions may be expecting rookie second-round pick Tate Ratledge to play a big part in replacing either Ragnow at center or Zeitler at right guard, the true breakout candidate on this offensive line might be someone else. Left guard Christian Mahogany could be the Lions' next high-end protector.

Pro Football Focus named Mahogany to their All-Breakout team ahead of the 2025 season, citing the fact that in 144 snaps, he was in the 99th percentile in true pass blocking set grade while coming in 97th percentile in fewest negatively graded run-blocking plays.

The Lions lost many of their best coaches this offseason, but offensive line coach Hank Fraley managed to stay in town. His ability to take less-heralded players and turn them into stars could put Mahogany on the path to stardom relatively short order.

Lions guard Christian Mahogany named on PFF's All-Breakout team

Mahogany played in parts of seven games last season, starting one. His sample size was incredibly limited, but his production was enticing enough to make him one of the frontrunners for the starting guard job. A former sixth-round draft choice, Mahogany is about to make a few teams look very foolish for passing on him.

Mahogany's PFF grade ranked seventh out of 136 qualified guards, suggesting that he could take his blend of powerful run-blocking and surprisingly light footwork for someone who clocks in at 332 pounds and use it to become a long-term starter.

Mahogany could free up Graham Glasgow to move to center, keeping Ratledge at the same right guard spot he exclusively played at during his college career at Georgia. If Mahogany fails to ive up to the expectations placed upon him, look for Glasgow and Ratledge to play left guard and center, respectively, while right guard remains a mystery.

Mahogany might be a seldom-used sixth-round pick without too much history going up against starting-caliber players, but based on the plays he's put on tape in his very brief professional career, he has more than enough talent to play a big part in the grand plan to replace Ragnow.