NY Giants hosted the draft's 'best kept secret' for a visit and he's a massive OT
The Giants could always use offensive line help and may have just found a hidden gem
If there's one thing the NY Giants could always use, it's offensive line help, especially given how Big Blue's O-line performed last season. In 2023, the Giants' offensive line gave up 85 sacks, and offensive tackle Andrew Thomas was the only lineman to finish with an overall grade over 65.0 with a 76.1 grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
The G-Men's offensive struggles resulted in several coaching changes, including firing offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and the team ultimately deciding to bring in formerLas Vegas Raiders assistant Carmen Bricillo. With a new-look offense coming to New Jersey in 2024, we can expect several new faces, especially up front.
Big Blue has actively recruited offensive linemen throughout free agency this offseason, and we can expect them to continue to bolster their offensive line through the NFL Draft. The Giants have brought in guard Jon Runyan Jr. and guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who will reunite with Bricillo, and others. With that said, the draft indeed could see more linemen make their way to East Rutherford. How about one you might not be too familiar with?
University of British Columbia LT Giovanni Manu visited the #Giants today — one of at least seven pre-draft visits for the 6-8, 352-pound behemoth.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 8, 2024
Manu ran a 4.96 40 at his pro day. He also visited the #Cowboys and has the #Giants, #Jets, #Patriots, #Browns, #Bengals this week.…
The Giants hosted OT Giovanni Manu for a Top 30 visit
While it's unlikely the G-Men will use their first-round pick to select an offensive lineman, Joe Schoen Brian Daboll may find a hidden gem in the later rounds. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Giants hosted University of British Columbia left tackle Giovanni Manu for a recent Top 30 visit.
The 6-8, 352-pound tackle has drawn interest from several teams, including the Jets, Patriots, Browns, Bengals and Cowboys. The tackle ran a 4.96 in the 40-yard dash and recorded 33.5 inches in the vertical jump during his Pro Day, where half the league was in attendance. He did that after checking in at 6-8, 352? It's no wonder Jordan Schultz has called him the draft's 'best kept secret.'
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.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2024
Manu just concluded his first 30 visit, with… pic.twitter.com/cnVzwD35F5
Manu played basketball growing up, and with his formidable size, he received the nickname "baby Shaq," but he wouldn't take up football until 2013 when he arrived at Pitt Meadows Secondary School. He joined the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds football team in 2019 as an offensive lineman and played left guard and tackle. However, he would convert to the team's starting left tackle by his fourth season with the program.
In 2023, the Thunderbirds achieved remarkable success, finishing first in passing yards and third in rushing yards in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association. Manu played pivotal in the team's offensive success, earning him All-Canadian Team honors.
His under-the-radar status is set to change as he looks to continue his playing career at the professional level. With his potential, it's highly likely that his name will be called in the later rounds of this year's NFL Draft. As the draft unfolds, we can expect the G-Men and other teams to monitor Manu's progress closely - he could prove to be a major steal for someone.
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