Dan Campbell Admits Lions Draft Pick Has Let Team Down in Camp

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (59) gets into position before a play against Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (59) gets into position before a play against Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Detroit Lions face outsized expectations entering the 2025 campaign following a bitterly disappointing conclusion to last season. Falling short against the upstart Washington Commanders feels unforgivable given the talent on this roster, and it's only grown worse given the losses of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Windows are only ever open for so long, and the Lions need to reach the Super Bowl soon in order to deliver on the great promise that this iteration of the roster has provided.

Unfortunately, there's one player who head coach Dan Campbell specifically admittedly that has let the team down in training camp, though he said it in classic Campbell fashion to protect the guy's confidence.

Dan Campbell Admits Lions' LT Giovanni Manu Hasn't Shined in Camp

In comments made to the media as reported by the Athletic's Colton Pouncy, Campbell noted there have been more downs than ups for backup left tackle Giovanni Manu in training camp.

He said that his last practice before the Hall of Fame preseason game and then his performance were better and he's stacking some days, but it's hard to come away from that presser thinking that Manu has impressed his coaching staff this summer.

General manager Brad Holmes specifically called out Manu previously as someone that the organization expected a leap from, which makes this summer all the more discouraging. Originally a fourth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Manu was meant to eventually become a potential starting option.

Instead, ESPN projects him as the third left tackle on the depth chart behind Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper. That's a failure if accurate, and Manu needs to continue these efforts if he's going to earn a role on the team, let alone earn a roster spot.

At 6-foot-7 and 354 pounds, he's a behemoth and imposing athlete. The physical gifts are obvious, yet it's not clear if the foundational technique is there to the degree that Detroit needs. Manu is only 24 years old and has plenty of time to develop, though this isn't a good sign.

Maybe this is just Campbell trying to light a fire under Manu. Maybe it's something more significant. Either way, it's obvious that Manu is on thin ice ahead of the organization's second preseason contest.

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