Giovanni Manu continues to make strides and gain confidence as he navigates the ups and downs of Detroit Lions training camp.
The towering second-year offensive tackle has always been considered a long-term project. Drafted in the fourth round in 2024 out of the University of British Columbia, Manu spent his rookie season inactive on game days, focusing behind the scenes on learning the ropes of the NFL.
Now more than two weeks into camp with a preseason game completed, head coach Dan Campbell said Manu’s effort in that outing gave him some hope, even after a slow start to practices.
“Better. It was better. That’s the best way I can describe it,” Campbell said Sunday. “The early portion of camp had more downs than ups, but the preseason game was a step in the right direction.
“I’ll add this too—his final practice before the game was a noticeable improvement. I see some momentum building, and now he just needs to keep stacking good days. There’s still work to be done, but it’s trending upward.”
Manu played all 24 of his offensive snaps at left tackle during the Lions’ 34-7 loss to the Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game. He stepped in for Dan Skipper after the veteran exited with an ankle issue. Skipper is expected to miss about a week, according to Campbell.
In the game, Manu allowed just one hurry and one pressure. Pro Football Focus gave him a decent grade for pass protection, though he rated poorly in the run game. Campbell liked some of what he saw, but Manu wasn’t satisfied after watching the tape.
“I’ve rewatched the (Hall of Fame) game a few times, and I wasn’t happy with how I played,” Manu told MLive on Sunday. “There were plenty of areas where I could’ve done much better. There’s always room to grow. I’m just ready to improve in the next opportunity.”
Manu says his confidence—both mentally and physically—is building, and that’s something he can lean on as he continues to develop.
Fans shouldn’t be too uick to write him off. This is still only Manu’s second NFL season, and he was always considered a player who would take time to adjust. Coming from Canadian college football to the NFL requires a major transition.
The Lions think the best is yet to come, and that belief extends beyond coaches. Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker brought Manu into his offseason workout group and has served as a mentor, offering guidance and support.
Decker says Manu is gaining confidence and is “tremendously physically gifted.” He noted that transitioning from Canadian college football to the NFL is no small leap, making the learning curve even steeper for Manu.
Decker emphasized that what Manu needs most is consistent reps. Fortunately for the young lineman, the Lions have three preseason games left and two joint practices to help accelerate his development.
Decker mentoring Manu means a lot to the young tackle. Manu said he feels grateful to be welcomed by a seasoned veteran at the same position, especially as part of his offseason preparation.
“It was huge working with Decker. As a rookie tackle, you’re not sure how the vets will receive you,” Manu said. “But he treated me like a little brother right away. And it wasn’t just him—guys like Skipper and other vets also supported me and gave advice on how to improve.”
“Deck’s been instrumental, especially during the offseason. Even today, every time I came off the field, he’d point out things I could do better—hand placement, footwork, technique. It’s great to have that kind of help.”
Manu stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 350 pounds—traits that can’t be coached. The Lions are working to refine his technique and understanding of the playbook, and with Skipper nursing an injury and Decker easing back from shoulder surgery, depth at tackle could be crucial.
Another boost for Manu is the return of offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Manu said the first question he asked after the season was whether Fraley would be back in Detroit.
Now that Fraley’s back—and promoted to run game coordinator—Manu is excited to keep learning under the former NFL lineman.
Manu also praised assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver, who returns for another season.
“Fraley’s a great coach and exactly what I need right now. He’s tough on me, really tough,” Manu said. “But that’s what I need to grow. He challenges me every day, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“I’m shocked how little recognition coach Oliver gets. He puts in work behind the scenes, especially with the young guys. Last year, we were on the field early before every practice, just the two of us. Same after practice. He’s been huge in my growth.”
