The Detroit Lions' decision to draft tackle Blake Miller sets up clear fallout, moving one player from a safe bet to make the roster to a clear question mark. Heading into the draft, Penei Sewell and Larry Borom were expected to be the starting options, with Giovanni Manu the likely favorite to be the team's swing tackle. Now, all of this has changed with Borom as the clear primary backup and Manu in danger of falling off Detroit's roster completely.
It should be noted that Mason Miller and Devin Cochran are both currently on the roster at the position. This paints a bleak picture for Manu, who went from a clear roster spot to needing to have a standout summer and preseason to have any level of security.
While this might seem harsh, it is hard to fault the Lions for making needed improvements after turning the page on Taylor Decker and losing backup Dan Skipper to retirement. It was clear that improvements were needed, and the selection of Miller gives the Lions a chance to have stability at both tackle spots for years to come. Still, this has to be of little comfort to Manu with the backup abruptly sliding down the depth chart.
Lions Clearly Put Giovanni Manu on Hot Seat After Selecting Blake Miller
Manu is a 2024 fourth-round selection who has appeared in four games and made one start in his career. The sample size is far too small to judge fully, but it is telling that with the recent offensive line struggles, there was so little trust in Manu's ability to step into an elevated role. The Lions clearly believed that the combination of Borom and Manu as the second and third options wouldn't bring about the desired results.
It is important to note here that the door is still open for Manu to make the roster, but it all depends on how many pieces Detroit opts to carry at the position. Sewell, Borom, and Miller are all locked into roster spots, leaving one possible role for Manu to fight for if the Lions decide to carry four tackles as they did for much of the 2025 season.
The team's depth is amplified by the offseason addition of Juice Scruggs, who has experience at guard and center, offering versatility from the bench. This could help Manu as it allows the Lions to carry an extra tackle, rather than focusing on additional options on the inside.
Regardless of how it plays out, it is clear that Manu is on thin ice and will need a strong camp to fight his way to a final roster spot. It is a great problem for the Lions, though, and speaks to the franchise taking the necessary steps to enjoy offensive improvements in the trenches.
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