The Detroit Lions opened training camp with an open competition at left guard, and though we're only a little over two weeks into camp, a frontrunner has already emerged in the position battle.
Christian Mahogany is the clear favorite to be the Lions' starting left guard for the second straight year. Despite beginning camp on the Active/Non-Football Injury list, Mahogany has taken most of the first-team reps at the spot.
Juice Scruggs, Ben Bartch, and Miles Frazier have been seen as Mahogany's main competitors. However, with Scruggs moving back to center due to the injury to Cade Mays, and Frazier being used more in a utility role, Mahogany has basically locked up the job over Bartch.
There isn't anyone else on the roster who could challenge Mahogany for the starting left guard gig, but if Detroit wants to add another piece to put some pressure on the 2024 sixth-round pick, Mekhi Becton could be their answer.
Lions Predicted to Sign Mekhi Becton, Add Unexpected Twist to Left Guard Battle
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Bleacher Report's Moe Moton tabbed the Lions as the best landing spot for Becton as the former first-round pick looks to find a new home. The Los Angeles Chargers released Becton in March after he posted a lackluster 2025 season.
Becton was clearly not a fit in the Chargers' offense, which led to him posting a 35.7 Pro Football Focus Grade and allowing 37 quarterback pressures. But Becton is just two seasons removed from a solid 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where the 27-year-old was a key piece of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning squad and was an effective run-blocker for running back Saquon Barkley, who tallied over 2,000 rushing yards.
If Detroit wants to sign Becton for cheap, he would provide adequate interior depth and give the Lions another starting option to consider. However, it should be noted that Becton doesn't have any experience playing left guard, though he is pretty versatile, starting games at left tackle, right tackle, and his most recent position, right guard, since entering the league in 2020.
Overall, the Lions will likely roll into the regular season with Mahogany as the left guard, but if general manager Brad Holmes wants to add another wrinkle to the starting race, signing Becton to a team-friendly deal would be an intriguing move.
