We are officially two weeks away from the start of the Detroit Lions' organized team activities before the 2026 season. Starting on May 27, the Lions will get a chance to see their rookies and veterans on the field together for the first time.
Even though live contact is prohibited during OTAs, the Lions will still get an opportunity to evaluate the newcomers, as well as players on the roster bubble.
Giovanni Manu's last chance to impress the Lions is coming up
These practices hold an even greater importance for players who haven't established themselves as rotation-caliber options, like Giovanni Manu. Heading into his third year in the league, the offensive tackle has yet to impress the Lions, and the time is running out for the former fourth-round pick.
Despite showing very little in his first two years in the NFL, Manu has managed to stick with the organization. The Lions clearly believe in the 25-year-old, mostly due to his intriguing physical and athletic tools. He was considered a raw prospect who would take some time to get up to speed, but his six-foot-seven frame was enough for the Lions to bet on him.
Detroit is giving him a chance once again this offseason. Heading into the training camp, Manu is the second-team left tackle behind Penei Sewell. With the selection of Blake Miller in the first round and the addition of Larry Borom in free agency, the Lions are set at right tackle. Miller will likely get the start, and Borom will take the second-team right tackle reps.
This opens up an opportunity for Manu to stake his claim as the backup left tackle to start the season.
A lot of eyes will be on the Lions' offensive line during the offseason. Once a big strength for the team, the offensive line went through significant changes over the last two years. The Lions made an effort to get younger there, targeting Tate Ratledge and Blake Miller early in the draft, and signing Cade Mays. The talent is still there for the O-line to be a strong suit for the Lions once again, but a few question marks remain.
Manu is one of those question marks. So far, he hasn't done anything to show the team that he is capable of stepping up if needed. In his lone start in his career, in Week 5 against Cincinnati last season, Manu struggled immensely.
If he doesn't come to the OTAs looking significantly improved, Manu's time in Detroit may come to an end before the summer is over.
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