The Detroit Lions are considering their original alternatives, including Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Gio Manu.

The Detroit Lions have long been a team on the rise, building an offense that has increasingly become one of the most dynamic in the NFC. Much of the success of the offense in recent seasons has been attributed to its strong offensive line, a unit that has helped keep quarterback Jared Goff protected and given running backs like Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift ample room to run. However, as the Lions continue their quest to compete at the highest level, they are now weighing some important decisions in terms of their offensive line personnel—particularly at the guard position.

For the Lions, bolstering the interior of the offensive line has become a pressing need, with several candidates in the mix to fill the void. Among the names being discussed as potential starters or key contributors are Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Gio Manu. These players each bring their own unique skill sets and potential to the table, and the Lions are working through the process of evaluating them as they plan their offensive line depth chart for the upcoming season.

The decision to find the right combination of players for the offensive line is crucial for the Lions. A powerful offensive line can be the foundation of a potent offense, and with Goff looking to continue his development as one of the league’s more efficient quarterbacks, Detroit needs to be sure that the interior of the line will continue to provide the necessary protection for both the passing and running games.

The competition at the guard position has been a topic of much discussion during the team’s offseason activities, and how the coaching staff evaluates Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Gio Manu will go a long way toward shaping the Lions’ offensive line for the 2024 season.

Graham Glasgow: The Experienced Veteran

Graham Glasgow, who has had a storied career with the Lions, is a player with a great deal of experience and familiarity with the team. Glasgow originally joined the Lions in 2016 as a third-round pick, and over the years, he established himself as a key piece on the interior of the offensive line. After spending the first few years of his career with the Lions, Glasgow signed a lucrative contract with the Denver Broncos in 2021. However, after a brief stint in Denver, he was released and found his way back to Detroit for the 2023 season.

Glasgow’s return to Detroit has been met with enthusiasm, as his experience is a valuable asset to a young Lions’ team looking to take the next step. As a veteran who has started over 60 games in his career, Glasgow brings not only skill but also a leadership presence to the locker room. He is known for his solid technique, consistency, and ability to be a versatile piece across the offensive line.

While Glasgow has been a reliable performer for most of his career, he is no longer in his prime years, and some question whether he can still be the dominant force he once was. Nevertheless, his experience and knowledge of the system make him a strong candidate to reclaim a starting position at guard, especially as the Lions look to stabilize their offensive line for the long term. If Glasgow can remain healthy and play at a high level, his presence would provide a level of security and reliability for the Lions’ offense in 2024.

Christian Mahogany: The Potential Future Star

Christian Mahogany, a young and relatively unknown player at the time of writing, could be one of the most intriguing candidates for a starting role at guard. Coming out of the University of Boston, Mahogany was a highly regarded prospect with impressive physical traits, drawing attention as a potential high-upside player in the 2024 draft class. However, Mahogany’s stock took a hit due to injury concerns, causing his draft projection to fall.

Despite the setback, Mahogany’s potential is undeniable. Standing at 6’5” and weighing over 320 pounds, Mahogany possesses the size and athleticism that the Lions are seeking in a guard. His ability to move quickly for a player of his size and his raw strength make him a perfect fit for a team looking to improve its offensive line and strengthen its interior run game.

While Mahogany’s rookie season may be a developmental one, he offers a high ceiling that could pay dividends in the future. The Lions’ coaching staff will be eager to see how he performs during training camp and whether he can demonstrate the necessary improvements to earn significant playing time.

If Mahogany can stay healthy and continue to develop his technique, he could very well become the long-term solution for the Lions at guard. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Mahogany has the potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line, and it will be intriguing to see whether the Lions opt to give him a larger role sooner rather than later.

Gio Manu: The Underrated Option

Gio Manu, who has flown somewhat under the radar, is another player that the Lions are considering for the guard spot. Manu, like Mahogany, is a younger player with the potential to surprise. Though he might not have the same level of attention as some of the other candidates, Manu has the tools to be a solid contributor to the Lions’ offensive line rotation.

Manu has demonstrated impressive technique and footwork, and his ability to read defenses and react quickly has made him an appealing option for the Lions. While he may not have the same raw physical traits as some of the other candidates, Manu has shown the ability to use his strengths effectively, and his awareness on the field is a major asset. If Manu continues to progress, he could be a versatile piece for the Lions, able to contribute both as a starter or in a rotational capacity.

One of the key factors that will play into Manu’s potential success is his consistency. If he can show that he can be relied upon on a week-to-week basis, he could certainly carve out a role for himself in the Lions’ offensive line, particularly as a guard. Though he may not be the most well-known option, Manu could be a sleeper candidate who ends up making a significant impact.

The Big Picture: Offensive Line Competition in Detroit

The competition at the guard position is just one piece of the puzzle for the Lions as they look to refine their offensive line. Much of the team’s success will depend on how well the unit plays together, and whoever ends up starting at guard must be able to complement the other positions effectively. The Lions’ offensive line has been solid in recent seasons, but Campbell and his staff are always looking for ways to improve, particularly when it comes to depth.

With Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell entrenched as the starting tackles and Frank Ragnow at center, the guards are the position group that will see the most competition heading into training camp. Glasgow, Mahogany, and Manu are all vying for starting spots, but ultimately it will be a matter of who shows the most consistency, reliability, and strength on the field.

The Lions have a strong supporting cast in the backfield with running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and quarterback Jared Goff is coming off a highly productive season. However, the key to keeping Goff upright and the running game efficient will be the play of the offensive line. With potential upgrades at the guard position, Detroit has a chance to solidify one of the most important units on the field and position itself for success in 2024.

The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a critical offseason, one in which their offensive line remains a key point of focus. As the team weighs the options at guard, the competition between Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Gio Manu will play a major role in shaping the team’s depth chart for the 2024 season. Whether it’s the experience of Glasgow, the potential of Mahogany, or the underrated consistency of Manu, each player brings something unique to the table.

Ultimately, the Lions’ coaching staff will need to determine which combination of players gives the team the best chance to succeed. With a solid offensive line, the Lions can continue to build on their offensive success and keep their playoff aspirations intact. The decision at guard will have a ripple effect on the entire offense, and how well these players perform during training camp and preseason will determine which one earns the crucial starting role.