As the Detroit Lions gear up for a highly anticipated 2025 campaign, early reports out of training camp have introduced a note of caution. Head coach Dan Campbell recently offered a frank assessment of second-year offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, signaling that the former fourth-round pick has faced some growing pains during early practices. While Campbell acknowledged that Manu has had “more downs than ups,” he also pointed to signs of improvement as camp progresses.
This situation illustrates the delicate process of nurturing young players in the NFL. Manu, seen as a long-term piece of the Lions’ offensive line puzzle, is now under a brighter spotlight.
A Development Project with High Expectations
Giovanni Manu entered the NFL with promising credentials, having been selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 354 pounds, he possesses the size and raw strength that NFL teams covet in offensive tackles. Detroit’s coaching staff viewed him as more than just a depth piece; they envisioned a player who could eventually step into a starting role.
With established veterans like Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper holding down the tackle spots, Manu wasn’t expected to take over right away. The plan was for him to develop gradually, learning from the experienced linemen around him.
Year Two Hopes Facing Reality Check
Coming into this offseason, the Lions believed Manu was ready to take a significant step forward. General Manager Brad Holmes had publicly pointed to him as someone capable of making a noticeable leap in Year 2. Improving the depth of the offensive line was a key offseason goal, and Manu was expected to be a major part of that plan.
However, those expectations have yet to fully materialize. Reports from camp suggest Manu is still working through the transition to pro-level speed and technique.
Campbell’s Feedback: Honest But Hopeful
Coach Campbell, never one to shy away from telling it like it is, shared a blunt review of Manu’s camp performance. According to Campbell, the young lineman has struggled more often than not. Still, he highlighted that Manu has shown some positive strides in recent practices and is beginning to put together stronger sessions.
While these remarks reflect concern, they also hint at the coaching staff’s continued belief in Manu’s potential—though his current position on the depth chart remains behind more established players.
Technique: The Missing Ingredient
Though Manu has the physical tools to thrive in the NFL, refining his technical skills appears to be the main hurdle. In particular, footwork and hand placement have been cited as problem areas—key components that can make or break offensive linemen when facing elite defensive talent.
At just 24 years old, Manu still has time to grow, but the urgency to improve is rising. In a competitive training camp environment, lapses in fundamentals can quickly affect a player’s status.
Opportunity Ahead in Preseason
Despite a shaky start to camp, the preseason offers Manu a fresh opportunity to prove himself. In-game reps against opposing defenses will be critical for his development and evaluation. Whether he’s playing in late-game scenarios or matched up against top-tier competition, every snap will matter as he fights for a bigger role on the roster.
Still Room to Develop
If Manu doesn’t become a key contributor in 2025, it won’t mark the end of his journey. Offensive linemen often take time to adjust to the NFL. Continued growth, consistency, and learning from mistakes could still carve out a meaningful future for him—at the very least, as a dependable reserve while he hones his craft.
Looking Ahead
Giovanni Manu’s camp performance serves as a reminder of how steep the learning curve can be in the NFL. The Lions, looking to capitalize on their momentum from 2024, need every player—including depth options—to step up.
Coach Campbell’s comments, while blunt, weren’t without optimism. Manu is starting to string together stronger efforts, and the coaching staff is watching closely. Whether he can take this opportunity and transform it into lasting progress remains to be seen—but the coming weeks will be telling.
