The Detroit Lions may be exploring another way to unlock the potential of offensive lineman Giovanni Manu.
Before Thursday’s OTAs session, Dan Campbell revealed that the Lions have been giving Manu reps at guard, even though the organization still views him primarily as a tackle.
Giovanni Manu guard
“That’s some of what this is, let’s experiment a little bit. We’ve had a couple of injuries, or the bugs that – maybe a guy that normally would play guard we don’t [have], so let’s put him in there, it’s actually kind of worked out good and just see what he looks like at guard,” Campbell said as quoted by A to Z Sports. “So he’s still getting tackle reps, we’re seeing – we’re trying to give him the best opportunity to showcase what he has and who knows? Maybe he is better at guard, we still think tackle but if he can prove something then that’s good so we’ll see, he’s been here, he’s been working and we won’t know until camp.”
If Manu can successfully make the transition, he could provide valuable versatility for the Lions. However, earning a roster spot won’t be easy. Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Juice Scruggs, Miles Frazier, and Ben Bartch are among the players competing for opportunities along the interior offensive line.
For now, the Lions are simply gathering information. Training camp could ultimately determine whether Manu’s future is at tackle, guard, or perhaps both. That, of course, is if he makes the 53-man roster at all.