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With the NFL draft coming up quickly, the Detroit Lions are rounding out their 30 pre-draft visits. They had one this weekend with a Canadian collegiate lineman with an interesting story and some impressive athleticism.
Giovanni Manu, all 6-foot-7, 352 pounds of him, was in Detroit on Sunday for an official pre-draft visit. Manu played left guard and left tackle for the University of British Columbia, earning All-Canada honors in the last two years.
Manu was born in Tonga and moved to Canada as a kid. He first made waves as a basketball player before switching to football.
Here’s a fun one: The best kept secret in the NFL Draft is Tongan OT Giovanni Manu, who checks in at a freakish 6.073, 352lbs. Manu ran 4.96 at his Pro Day, which featured half the league in attendance. He also verted 33.5 inches.
Manu just concluded his first 30 visit, with… pic.twitter.com/cnVzwD35F5
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2024
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It’s unusual for Canadian collegians to get drafted into the NFL. The last one selected was DT David Onyemata by the New Orleans Saints back in 2016 — a Saints team that had Lions head coach Dan Campbell on the staff. Manu is not expected to be drafted but could generate something of a bidding war as a priority free agent after the draft. Manu has been on at least eight other pre-draft visits.