The Detroit Lions’ offensive line is already largely recognized as one of the best in the NFL.
With two new draft picks, Detroit hopes to maintain its offensive prowess.
Giovanni Manu, Detroit’s fourth-round pick, told TSN that the franchise plans to have him swap positions early in his career.
Manu, who has more experience at left tackle, will most likely develop as a right guard in his early career.
“I think the goal is he wants me playing on the right side, so that’s a bit of an adjustment since I’ve normally played on the left side,” said Manu. “But I think their vision is they want me playing right guard next to Penei Sewell, which is an outstanding right tackle. If I could earn that spot and be right next to Penei Sewell, I think it would be the scariest right side in the NFL.”
This season, veterans are anticipated to man the guard spots. Graham Glasgow is now lined up as the starting left guard, while Kevin Zeitler is the starter right guard.
Despite playing more on the left side, Manu indicated he is up for the challenge of playing on the right side of the offensive line.
“They’ve asked me where do I feel comfortable playing and I told them left side. That’s legit where I’ve always been playing my whole collegiate career, I’ve told them. 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, is what they’ve kinda hinted at,” Manu expressed. “I told them I would be open to it. They told me, it sounded like that’s where they’re going to put me at coming into rookie minicamp. I think they’re just going to rep me at the right side so I can get comfortable at it. It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but it’s something that I’m looking forward to doing.”
