Detroit Lions Could Try Manu at Guard This Offseason

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, teams around the league are evaluating their rosters and making key decisions about how to improve for the upcoming season. For the Detroit Lions, one of the most important areas of focus remains the offensive line. With a solid foundation already in place, the Lions are looking for ways to further strengthen the unit, ensuring it can protect quarterback Jared Goff, open running lanes for the team’s backfield, and give the offense more versatility. One intriguing option that the Lions are considering is moving offensive lineman Manu, a versatile and powerful player, to guard.

Manu, who has spent the majority of his career at tackle, is known for his strength, agility, and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. With the Lions’ ongoing efforts to build one of the top offensive lines in the league, this potential shift could unlock even more potential for both the player and the team as a whole. By transitioning him to guard, the Lions would be leveraging his physicality in a new way, allowing him to use his size and strength in a position where those attributes are even more impactful. While the idea of shifting a player from tackle to guard isn’t necessarily a novel concept in the NFL, the decision could prove to be a game-changer for the Lions as they look to take the next step toward becoming an NFC powerhouse.

This offseason decision will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched developments in Detroit. Moving Manu to guard could bring immediate benefits, but it also carries some risk. The Lions will need to assess whether this move will give them the balance and flexibility they need in the trenches, particularly in an era of football where offensive line depth and adaptability are crucial. Let’s break down what such a move would mean for both the Detroit Lions and Manu as a player.

The Need for Offensive Line Improvement in Detroit

In 2024, the Detroit Lions showed considerable promise. With a dynamic offense led by Jared Goff and an improving defense, the team had its sights set on playoff contention. However, the offensive line, while solid, still has room for growth. The Lions’ ability to protect their quarterback and establish a strong running game remains a key focal point for the coaching staff heading into 2025.

The line’s stability is critical because, without it, any offensive scheme is limited. Goff has flourished when given time in the pocket, and the team’s running game has also seen improvements, but the lack of consistency along the line has sometimes hurt the team’s ability to dominate up front. Having a player like Manu, who could potentially fill a more impactful role at guard, could go a long way toward solving these issues.

The Lions have already taken significant steps toward bolstering their offensive line. With players like Penei Sewell anchoring the tackle spots, Detroit’s offensive line has had a solid foundation to build on. However, the interior of the line has been less reliable, and that’s where Manu could make a significant impact.

Why Manu Could Be the Right Fit at Guard

Shifting Manu from tackle to guard may seem like a big move, but it could be a logical and strategic decision based on his skill set. The transition from tackle to guard is not uncommon in the NFL, as many players with the size, power, and quickness to be successful at tackle are also well-suited for the guard position. The difference in playing on the interior versus the outside is significant, but with the right attributes, a tackle can thrive as a guard.

Manu’s physical attributes, particularly his size and strength, make him an ideal candidate for the move. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 320 pounds, Manu already possesses the necessary size to excel as a guard. He is known for his ability to control defenders at the line of scrimmage, making him a natural fit in a position that requires strength and power. Guards often engage with defensive tackles and linebackers in tighter spaces, and having a player with Manu’s physicality could help the Lions gain an advantage in the trenches.

Additionally, Manu’s athleticism and ability to move laterally make him a good fit for guard, where quickness and footwork are crucial. As a tackle, Manu has been tasked with handling edge rushers, which requires a level of agility and movement in space. This experience would help him adjust to guard, where the focus shifts more to inside movement and leverage.

Another reason why Manu could excel at guard is his familiarity with zone-blocking schemes. As a tackle, Manu has experience in both man-blocking and zone-blocking schemes, and his ability to execute both concepts would be valuable at guard, where quick decision-making and precise movement are essential. Given the importance of running lanes and quarterback protection in today’s NFL, Manu’s versatility in this regard could be a game-changer for Detroit’s offense.

What Would Manu Bring to the Lions at Guard?

If Manu makes the move to guard, he would provide the Lions with added depth and strength in the interior of the offensive line. One of the most important elements of a successful guard is their ability to open holes in the running game. A player with Manu’s power and drive could be the catalyst to improving the Lions’ rushing attack, which has been solid but could stand to be even more dominant with better interior blocking. With the Lions’ running back depth, including explosive backs like Jahmyr Gibbs, a more consistent and physical offensive line could open the door for even more explosive plays on the ground.

Another critical area where Manu could make an impact is pass protection. Guards are often tasked with blocking interior defensive linemen and providing help to the tackles in pass protection. With the rise of defensive tackles and pass-rushing specialists, having a reliable guard to step in and create a strong interior pocket is essential. Manu’s presence could help protect Goff by ensuring that the middle of the pocket remains secure.

The Lions’ coaching staff could also benefit from Manu’s leadership and work ethic. Even though the Lions have a solid offensive line in place, having a player like Manu could raise the overall competitiveness of the unit. Offensive lines are often made up of tough, gritty players who pride themselves on their ability to create a physical advantage. Manu’s mentality and commitment to excellence could elevate the entire group, providing a better overall balance and cohesion for the line.

The Risks and Challenges of Transitioning Manu to Guard

While the upside of Manu moving to guard is considerable, the transition would not come without challenges. Guard is a different position, and while Manu has the size and strength to succeed, it will take time for him to adjust to the nuances of playing inside. For instance, guards often have to deal with quicker defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers. They also need to be more mobile in confined spaces, which can require a slightly different skill set than playing tackle. Additionally, the guard position requires more precise hand placement, footwork, and coordination than the tackle spot, which may take time to develop.

Another challenge will be adjusting to the increased physicality of playing on the interior. Guards are often involved in more direct contact with defensive linemen, and the battle in the trenches is typically much more crowded. Manu’s natural power should help, but his ability to manage the congestion in the pocket and the quickness of defenders will be key to his success.

The Bigger Picture for the Detroit Lions

The decision to try Manu at guard speaks to the Lions’ larger strategy in the offseason. The team is looking for ways to continue improving their roster, with an emphasis on building for both the short and long-term. Strengthening the offensive line is a key piece of that puzzle, as it will provide the foundation for the offense to succeed. With the right balance of strength, speed, and technical ability, the Lions have the chance to transform their offensive line into one of the league’s best.

For Manu, the opportunity to play at guard is not just a career move but a chance to show the league that he has the versatility and skill set to excel at multiple positions. By making this transition, he could solidify his place as one of the top interior linemen in the NFL and provide the Lions with a critical upgrade in their offensive line.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Lions are in the midst of building a team that can compete in the NFC North and beyond. The potential move of Manu to guard is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important one that could set the tone for the rest of the offseason. If everything falls into place, the Lions could find themselves with an even stronger offensive line, ready to make their mark in the upcoming season.