Who was the Lions' most controversial pick in this year's draft? Most critics would point to offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, a project from the University of British Columbia.
In a listing of each team's "most questionable selection," CBS Sports said that the "operation went downhill" for the Lions after they took Terrion Arnold in the first round and that "trading up for Manu was a curious decision because, despite the excitement of his size and athleticism, he is very much a project."
The depth and landmarks of Canadian pass sets are different than what he will be asked to do in the NFL. They have to carry him on the active roster even if he is not ready because they have invested so much in him.
Brad Holmes and the Lions traded a 2025 third-round pick to move into the third round for Manu, then traded a 2025 fourth-rounder in a similar move for running back/defensive back Sione Vaki. The controversy around both picks, says Gator, "comes to A) where you took them and B) what you gave up to move up."
"I'm fascinated by the (Manu) pick. But could you have gotten this player much later in the draft?"
Karsch says that it speaks to a strong draft class overall when the most questionable pick is also full of raw tools and potential: "And Manu is one of these guys where we've seen this work before, where a player with little football experience is taken based on his physical tools. It worked at that position with (Eagles offensive tackle) Jordan Mailata.
"Could it work with Manu. It could. They've also talked about moving him inside to guard. But probably the most questionable part about it is, could you have waited to get him?"
Gator says that a couple years ago, the Lions wouldn't have made this pick. They're able to make it now "because they had so few holes they had to fill after free agency."
They can say, "We have the opportunity here to be patient. This guy doesn't have to come in and play right away. We've got some time to mold him. He looks like a specimen. Let's go do it."
