The Houston Texans are building for the present and future entering 2024 and one prospect could fill both needs long-term.
Boston College offensive lineman Christian Mahogany recently visited with the Texans for a pre-draft meeting, according to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. Mahogany, one of the top run-blocking interior linemen in the class, is projected to be a Day 2 draft pick and top-100 selection.
While Mahogany has been regarded as one of the best run blockers in the ACC over the past two starting seasons, he was exceptional in pass protection during his final season with the Eagles. He allowed zero sacks and quarterback hits in 422 passing sets, according to Pro Football Focus.
Christian Mahogany is a nasty dude. Mauler. pic.twitter.com/OAyxNJQzQx
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 18, 2024
Last month at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, Mahogany (33.5-inch arms, 10.5-inch hands) posted a 5.13 40-time with a 1.74 10-yard split. He also showed off his athletic prowess with a 32.5-inch vertical jump.
Over his five seasons with the Eagles, Mahogany started 44 games, including 33 starts at right guard. He missed the 2022 campaign after tearing his ACL while working out at home in New Jersey.
Scouts loved his tape following the 2021 season and considered him a late-Day 1 prospect or top-40 selection. Mahogany should be an option in the second round for most teams, but could considered a steal in the third.
The Texans’ offensive line is sturdy entering voluntary workouts, but the left guard spot remains a mystery. The hope is that Kenyon Green can stay healthy and live up to his first-round hype after spending the entire 2023 season on the injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason.
Christian Mahogany. Draft Crush.
Por favor alguém ensina esse homem a jogar de pad level mais baixo e ele vira all-pro.pic.twitter.com/lwcffN2b0y
— Rafael Kutter (@Rafael_Kutter) April 15, 2024
General manager Nick Caserio said he’s been pleased with Green’s rehab process, but the former All-American will have to earn his place in the starting five entering Year 3.
“KG’s a good kid,” Caserio said Thursday. “He’ll have a full offseason, which is something he hasn’t had. We’ll see how it goes here. He certainly has an opportunity in front of him, but nobody is guaranteed anything. It’s going to come down to how you perform when you’re on the field.”
Last season, three players saw starting reps at left guard, including starting right tackle Tytus Howard and projected starting center Juice Scruggs. Scruggs could remain at guard if second-year lineman Jarrett Patterson beats him out for the starting center spot.
The Texans, who have nine picks entering Thursday night’s first round, could benefit from adding trench depth. It’s not a dire need, but contending franchises usually have steady backups on the offensive line.