Christian Mahogany scouting report: Exploring the Boston College interior offensive lineman’s strengths and weaknesses

Christian Mahogany, a three-star recruit in 2019, opted to redshirt his first year. However, he went on to start all 22 games in the next two years and was recognized as second-team All-ACC during his switch from left to right guard in the latter season.

Despite missing the entire 2022 season due to a torn right ACL in June, he made a strong comeback and was named first-team all-conference as the starting RG in 12 games last year.

The individual’s measurements are 6’3″and they weigh 320 pounds. They are currently a redshirt senior.

Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Christian Mahogany’s game

Advantages

Offensive Line Run Blocking

• Christian Mahogany boasts a broad chest and possesses impressive power in his hands.
• Utilizes the bucket step effectively and possesses a strong chest to dominate defensive linemen in the play-side gap during outside zone plays.
• He continues to focus on lateral concepts, even if he has to stay low or start climbing early in order to execute combos effectively.
• Mahogany is able to exert force on the side of nose-tackles, effectively pushing them over and creating ample cutback lanes on the opposite side.
• Leads with his near-shoulder and is regularly able to create that initial momentum on vertical double-teams, such as “duo.”
• Does the player possess the ability to absorb the impact of oncoming linebackers and redirect their momentum, effectively pushing them out of the designated lane?
• Genuinely knocks down edge defenders during kick-outs and eagerly jumps on them.
• Despite being only a redshirt sophomore, he was able to achieve a pass and run-blocking grade of 80+ along with five other Power Five guards. He came close to replicating this accomplishment in the following year.

Block and Tackle: Protecting the Quarterback

• Christian Mahogany displays agile and swift footwork while providing protection.
• This player possesses exceptional change-of-direction abilities that allow them to effectively mirror rushers who make frequent lateral movements.
• He is capable of playing at tackle if needed, as he has the ability to cover a lot of ground and match up against wide three-techniques. He utilizes a quasi-kick-slide technique where he leads with his outside foot.
• Successfully squares up blitzing linebackers and effectively neutralizes their charge.
• A patient person is able to sort out different pressure looks with ease and is rarely caught out of position.
• Despite committing his shoulder during the spiking D-tackle, he is consistently able to cut off and assert control over the end looping over the top due to his strong and stable base.
• Dishes out some wicked rib shots when he’s unoccupied in protection
• Despite playing 422 pass-blocking snaps last season, he did not receive any charges for sacks or QB hits and only seven hurries were recorded for him.

Areas for Improvement

• Christian Mahogany has a pretty high center of gravity and against NFL defensive linemen where he doesn’t have the raw strength advantage, that lost leverage battle will become more prevalent
• His feet tend to overrun the target and he can slip off blocks in the process when there’s more of a runway, particularly against savvier defenders in terms of their hand usage
• Although he lacks strong short-area burst, he may struggle to keep up with the backer at times when he needs to stick with the down-linemen, particularly on outside zone plays. As a puller, he may also take too long to reach his designated spot.
• Has a tendency to overextend when attempting to block interior rushers, resulting in losing off the line more frequently than desired.
• Improvement is required in terms of depth as he tends to only provide an initial push before getting caught off guard by opponents slanting across his path, or when he is left unoccupied while protecting.

Predicting Christian Mahogany’s Selection in the 2024 NFL Draft

It’s difficult to come across a stronger offensive lineman in this draft class than Christian Mahogany. However, his inability to secure his hands under the pads of defensive linemen and dominate plays is extremely frustrating.

Often, he demonstrates his skill by moving large opponents against their will and then quickly passing them, enabling his initial defender to participate in the tackle. However, there are also instances when I wonder why he doesn’t simply stay back and block pass-rushers, rather than putting himself at risk with more aggressive tactics.

There is potential for this player to become a solid starter if he can learn to harness his strength and improve his control. However, it may not be until his second year that he is able to completely eliminate the occasional errors seen in his performance.

It was impressive to witness his improved performance during team drills and increased composure in one-on-one situations at the Shrine Bowl practices. This served as a reminder of his talent, especially after missing the entire 2022 season and not receiving much television coverage while playing for Boston College. I believe he would be a valuable pick on the later rounds of day two.

Christian Mahogany’s Grade: Third round.