By Blessing 
Lions OT Giovanni Manu Shows Off Progress in Offseason Training Video
When the Detroit Lions traded up to select offensive tackle Giovanni Manu in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a raw talent with immense potential. Coming out of the University of British Columbia, Manu was considered a developmental project — and his rookie year played out exactly that way.
Manu didn’t see the field during the 2024 season, spending every game as a healthy scratch while learning the ropes of the NFL game. But the Lions were patient, investing in his long-term growth. And now, as the offseason rolls on, it looks like that investment is starting to pay off.
The 6-foot-8, 335-pound tackle has been training at OLP Performance in Arizona, a respected facility founded by former NFL lineman LeCharles Bentley. Known for its rigorous, lineman-specific training regimen, OLP emphasizes building skill sets in an environment designed specifically for offensive line development.
“At OLP, we believe offensive line isn’t just a position, but a way of living,” the facility’s mission statement reads. “The intensive focus and training required to develop the necessary skill sets to play this position is second to none. Everything about offensive line is learned, and that learning needs to be nurtured in an intensive environment surrounded by likeminded individuals.”
In a recently shared workout video from OLP, Manu put his progress on full display. The footage showcased his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism — traits that have always intrigued the Lions’ coaching staff. But what stood out most were the improvements in his footwork and movement, both key areas for his development.
Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire highlighted Manu’s growth in this area, writing, “From a Lions standpoint, the footwork drills near the end of the video are really encouraging. Manu looks much quicker and more fluid with his footwork than anything we saw last summer.”
The athletic traits have never been in question for Manu. His NFL Combine numbers — a 4.96-second 40-yard dash and a 33.5-inch vertical — were eye-catching for a man of his size. But with limited high-level competition during his college career in Canada, the challenge was always about refining his technique and adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed within the organization. General manager Brad Holmes was among those praising Manu’s development after the season.
“If you watched the film of Gio in OTAs and you watched the film of Gio in practice (at the end of the year), it really was night and day,” Holmes said at his end-of-season press conference. “That’s credit to Hank (Fraley) and Steve Oliver and all those guys just working with him and a credit to him because he was conscious that he improve.”
Veteran teammates, including star tackle Penei Sewell, have also recognized the strides Manu is making.
Looking ahead, Manu is expected to compete with Dan Skipper for the Lions’ swing tackle role in 2025. There’s also a chance Detroit revisits an earlier plan to shift him inside to guard — especially after the recent departure of veteran lineman Kevin Zeitler.
Whatever direction the Lions ultimately take with Manu, one thing’s clear: his development is trending in the right direction, and he’s putting in the work to prove he belongs.