Detroit Lions
NFL
According to Giovanni Manu, he won’t be playing tackle for the Lions
The Detroit Lions selected Giovanni Manu, an offensive tackle from the University of British Columbia who is mostly unknown, in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, an intriguing choice. Despite Manu being from a minor football program, the Lions showed a lot of faith in his potential by trading a 2025 third-round pick to get him.
Positional Shift for Manu
Though left tackle was Manu’s primary position in college, the Lions have different intentions for him in the NFL. Manu has been notified of a major role change—he will be moving to the right guard position—during conversations with the team. This calculated action demonstrates the Lions’ dedication to strengthening the right side of their offensive line and fits in with their overall offensive line approach.
Adapting to a New Role
During an interview with TSN, Manu shared his openness to the position change, despite his comfort and familiarity with playing on the left side throughout his collegiate career. The Lions see a valuable opportunity to pair him with Penei Sewell, the team’s outstanding right tackle, potentially creating a formidable duo on the right side of their offensive line.
“They’ve asked me where I feel comfortable playing, and I told them left side. But they’ve opened up to me and told me if I’m willing to play on the right side, because I feel like they want me playing next to Penei Sewell,” Manu explained. He expressed willingness to take on the challenge, acknowledging the adjustment but also the potential to strengthen the team’s blocking and protective capabilities.
Creating a Formidable Duo
Manu added on the Donnie and Dhali show that the Lions envision him as a right guard, which is a departure from his typical job but one he is willing to accept. This further emphasizes his future role. Manu stated, “I believe the objective is that he wants me to play on the right side.” Along with expressing delight over the possibility of playing beside Sewell, he also hinted that the two of them would make “the scariest right side in the NFL.”
TL;DR
- Strategic Draft Pick and Position Change: Giovanni Manu, originally a left tackle from the University of British Columbia, was drafted in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions, who traded up to secure his talents. The Lions plan to transition Manu to right guard, a significant positional shift that aims to leverage his size and athleticism more effectively alongside established right tackle, Penei Sewell.
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- Adaptation to New Role: Despite his collegiate experience on the left side of the line, Manu has expressed openness and readiness to adapt to playing right guard. This move is part of the Lions’ strategy to strengthen their offensive line, particularly on the right side, where Manu’s physical presence and agility could be highly beneficial.
- Potential Impactful Duo: The Lions envision Manu forming a powerful and intimidating partnership with Penei Sewell on the right side of their offensive line. Manu’s successful adaptation to his new position could create one of the most formidable blocking duos in the NFL, enhancing the team’s overall offensive capabilities.
Bottom Line
Giovanni Manu’s rise from left tackle at a lesser-known Canadian university to a possible starting center on the offensive line for the Detroit Lions is evidence of the team’s creative player development and selection choices. Manu’s adjustment to a new position will be an important plot point to follow as he gets ready for rookie minicamp and the forthcoming NFL season. It might have a big impact on the efficiency and dynamics of the Lions’ offensive line.
