BC’s Mahogany, UNH’s Laube get their draft calls in the sixth
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. That came just moments after the Las Vegas Raiders selected University of New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube two picks earlier.
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.”
With the 208th pick, the Raiders chose Laube, making him the first Wildcat to be drafted since Jared Smith in 2013.
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 played in 46 games over six seasons at UNH and led the nation in all-purpose yards per game (209.5) in 2023 to finish his career with over 7,000. He ranked second in total touchdowns (18) this year for a total of 47 all-time.
“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 prides himself on his versatility and is prepared to help at running back, wide receiver, and special teams. He described himself as a “straight dog” and a gritty player who’s going to put his head down and go. Laube is confident he can give the organization that “extra oomph.”
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.”
One more wrinkle to the underdog story: Laube, who has had a stutter since childhood, has partnered with Athletes for Hope to give back to kids coping with a speech impediment.
He hasn’t shied away from the spotlight over the years — serving as a captain at every level and eagerly taking public speaking classes — and hopes to give others confidence in their own journeys.
“Being able to have a voice, and share my story, and be an advocate for kids is super important,” Laube said.
After Laube, Holy Cross guard C.J. Hanson went late in the seventh round, 247 th overall, to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Hanson was a three-year starter and third-team All-American this past season. He’s the first Crusader to be drafted since Rob McGovern in 1989.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, of Greenwich, Conn. (Brunswick High) 253d.