College Sports
Mahogany expected to hear his name called sooner, but is happy to end up in Detroit.
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As agonizing as it was waiting to hear his name called, once he finally did, Christian Mahogany chose to view the situation through a positive lens.
Mahogany, a 6-foot-3-inch, 322-pound offensive guard from Boston College, went late in the sixth round (210th overall) of the NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions.
He believes he has an ideal opportunity to learn from a veteran offensive line, in a great city, with a passionate fan base. That’s all he can ask for.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Mahogany told the Globe. “Obviously I didn’t think I would get picked as late as I did, but it’s the right situation. Everything happens for a reason, I believe. It’s not my plan. I’m glad I got picked when I did, and I’m glad it was Detroit.”
Mahogany, who watched the draft at home in New Jersey with friends and family, said he’s eager to learn from players such as Penei Sewell, Kevin Zeitler, and Taylor Decker. He believes they can help him have a long, successful career in the NFL.
He plans to “be a sponge” and do whatever he’s asked, while keeping his roots in mind.
“BC has a great O-line heritage,” Mahogany said. “I just want to be the next offensive lineman that gets to prove his mark in the NFL. I’m glad I get to do that.”
Mahogany, who missed the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL, was a first-team all-ACC performer for the Eagles this past season. He only allowed one sack from 2021-23 in 711 pass-blocking snaps.
“He was a dominant performer early on,” analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. “Showed a lot of promise. The injury set him back a little bit. He has the best yet to come. I think he’s going to revert back to that point. He’s a nice pick there.”
Two picks earlier, at No. 208, the Las Vegas Raiders chose University of New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube.
Laube (5-10, 206 pounds) had a 90.5 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus, which was third in the nation among running backs. He’s the first Wildcat drafted since Jared Smith in 2013.
“I can’t believe I get to represent UNH on the biggest stage,” Laube told the Globe. “Huge thanks to them and my family, and the whole community in Durham. New England has been my home for the last half a decade. I just can’t thank them enough.
Laube’s mother, Noel Laube, said she’s “overwhelmed” and “super psyched,” but not shocked. She’s seen, firsthand, the drive her son has shown over the years, calling him a “workhorse.”
She called it a “very, very long day” for the family, and an emotional one they’ll cherish forever.
“I just knew people would see beyond the small school. They’d have to see beyond the small school, and I think they did. I’m extremely proud of him. He did it.”
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