Lions' rookie guard Christian Mahogany wasted no time embracing 'dirtbag' label

The Detroit Lions have a certain style of player they look for in the NFL Draft, and 2024 represented another successful year in landing that archetype.

Toughness and physicality are important for the Lions, and prospects Brad Holmes considers must have those traits above all else if they are to make it in Detroit. This year, the Lions have landed another class that seems to embody that mentality.

Sixth-round selection Christian Mahogany, a guard out of Boston College, slipped down the board to pick No. 210. While Holmes wasn't willing to offer a specific explanation of why the tumble took place, he was happy to share what he loved about Mahogany's game.

"I just know that he fits how we want to play and he's a tough, physical (player). He's got some dirtbag in him and he's just one of those tough New 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 bowed well versus them, so we were excited to get him."

In 2023 Mahogany started every game for Boston College at right guard, and was thought to be a potential middle-round selection in the draft. Instead he slipped down the board into the waiting arms of Holmes, who snapped him up to fill an obvious need in the middle of Detroit's offensive line.

Christian Mahogany immediately embraces dirtbag label with Detroit Lions

To some, being called a dirtbag would be an insult. To Mahogany, it was a term of endearment ahead and something to be celebrated.

Right after Holmes' press conference, Mahogany had a chance to respond to the label he was handed. As he explained to reporters, including Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, he's glad that his toughness was able to shine through on tape.

As if that wasn't enough. Mahogany took another step to prove that he's ready to up the label. By the end of the weekend, Mahogany had already changed his name on X to reflect his new nickname.

The Lions seek players who maintain a gritty mindset 24-7, and Mahogany looks like another example of that. He comes to town ready to live the nickname that has been lovingly bestowed upon him.