Lions Could Try Manu at Guard This Offseason: A Strategic Shift

The Detroit Lions have spent the last few years trying to build a solid and balanced offensive line, which is one of the cornerstones of their rebuilding effort. In 2023, they showed some real progress in the trenches with a strong, reliable line that helped elevate the team’s rushing attack and gave their quarterback solid protection. However, there’s always room for improvement in the NFL, and even the best offensive lines can benefit from slight adjustments or experimenting with different player positions. One such potential experiment that could be a game-changer for the Lions in the 2025 season is trying out Manu at guard.

Manu, whose full name is Manu Afa, has primarily been known as a versatile offensive lineman, with previous experience as a tackle. However, as the Lions continue to look for ways to enhance their offensive line’s depth and effectiveness, exploring the possibility of moving Manu to the guard position could be a worthwhile proposition. Guards play a critical role in both pass protection and run blocking, and adding a player with Manu’s attributes could provide the Lions with an even more formidable front line.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Lions might consider moving Manu to guard, the potential benefits and challenges of such a move, and how this could impact the team’s overall offensive scheme.

1. Why Experiment with Manu at Guard?

There are several factors that could push the Detroit Lions to consider a position change for Manu this offseason. These factors revolve around the team’s existing offensive line structure, the physical attributes of Manu himself, and the general philosophy of constantly improving and adapting to an ever-evolving NFL landscape.

1.1 A Growing Need for Versatility

The NFL is constantly shifting its strategy, and teams are always looking for players who can do more than one thing well. This is especially true for offensive linemen, where versatility can be a major asset. Offensive linemen who can play multiple positions can provide depth and stability in case of injury or changes in the lineup. By moving Manu to guard, the Lions could give themselves more flexibility to address any future issues that arise along the line, whether from injury or a decrease in performance from other linemen.

For example, if a starter like Taylor Decker or Penei Sewell were to get injured or struggle, Manu’s ability to step in at guard would allow the Lions to reconfigure their offensive line without disrupting too much of their scheme. This kind of versatility is invaluable, especially when you consider the physical and mental demands that the NFL season places on players.

1.2 Physical Attributes of Manu

Manu is a physically gifted player who has shown flashes of dominance during his career. His combination of size, strength, and mobility makes him an intriguing prospect at guard. Guards typically need to excel in run blocking, creating push at the point of attack, and creating running lanes for the running back. They also need to excel in pass protection, with a particular emphasis on keeping interior pressure from defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers at bay.

Manu’s size, mobility, and strength could allow him to thrive in this role. At 6’5” and around 320 pounds, he has the physical tools to be an effective guard in the NFL. His movement skills, which were evident when he played tackle, could translate well to the inside, where lateral movement and quick feet are crucial.

Additionally, Manu has good hand placement and a strong grip, two essential qualities for an effective guard. Guards need to control their defenders’ movements in tight spaces, which requires excellent hand usage. Given Manu’s history of success with these techniques, there’s a good chance he could make the adjustment to guard seamlessly.

1.3 Depth and Competition Along the Line

Another factor that could make a move to guard appealing is the depth the Lions have developed along the offensive line. With established stars like Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell at tackle, and Frank Ragnow solidifying the center position, the Lions’ guard spots have seen a bit more fluctuation in recent seasons. While Jonah Jackson has been a reliable starter, the depth behind him could use some improvement, and the Lions may want to see what Manu can do in competition for one of these spots.

Manu would bring experience and competition to the guard position, which could help the Lions identify their most effective lineup going into the 2025 season. As teams look for the best five linemen they can put together, having options like Manu gives the Lions the chance to experiment and develop the best possible combination for both run blocking and pass protection.

2. Benefits of Moving Manu to Guard

Let’s dive deeper into the specific advantages the Lions could gain by moving Manu to guard. While the move may seem like a drastic change, there are several reasons why it could be a smart strategic decision.

2.1 Improved Interior Play

The offensive line’s interior is often where games are won and lost in the NFL. Guards are key in protecting the quarterback’s blindside on inside rushes, and they also create the push in short-yardage or goal-line situations. By moving Manu to guard, the Lions could potentially improve the power in the middle of their offensive line. His strength and size could allow him to generate better push against defensive tackles and create more lanes for running backs to exploit.

Additionally, the guard position is crucial when it comes to creating running lanes in both inside and outside zone schemes. Given that the Lions have increasingly leaned into a power running game, a more dominant presence on the inside could help them become even more potent in this area.

2.2 Better Protection for Jared Goff

Jared Goff’s success as the Lions’ quarterback is tied directly to the performance of the offensive line. Goff thrives when he has time to set his feet and make accurate throws, particularly on intermediate and deep routes. If Manu can step in and provide solid protection at guard, this could translate into better overall pass protection for Goff.

The interior of the offensive line has often been the weak link for many teams when it comes to pass protection. With Manu potentially bolstering the guard spot, Goff could find himself with more time in the pocket, which would significantly improve the passing game.

2.3 Boost to the Running Game

The Lions are a team that relies heavily on their running game, and they’ve built one of the most effective rushing attacks in the league. A stronger, more dominant presence at guard would help open up lanes for their dynamic running backs, like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Manu’s ability to move defenders off the ball and create push could make a huge difference in the success of the running game. When it comes to creating running lanes in the interior, the guard position is critical. If the Lions can dominate the interior line of scrimmage with a player like Manu, they could become an even more dangerous team on the ground.

3. Challenges of Moving Manu to Guard

While the potential benefits are clear, making a move like this is not without challenges. Adjusting to a new position at the NFL level is a difficult task, even for a player as talented as Manu. There are several key challenges that he—and the team—would face in making this transition.

3.1 Adapting to a New Position

Moving from tackle to guard requires a mental and physical adjustment. Tackles generally have a more expansive area to protect, while guards need to focus on shorter-range movements and dealing with more powerful, compact defensive players. Manu would need to adjust to this new way of engaging with defenders, working in tighter spaces, and refining his technique to deal with defensive tackles and linebackers.

However, given Manu’s experience and versatility, he could make this transition successfully with the right coaching and preparation. It would likely take some time, but he has the tools to make it work.

3.2 Team Chemistry and Line Balance

Any changes to the offensive line’s personnel can disrupt team chemistry. The Lions’ current line, while not perfect, has developed good cohesion over the last few seasons. Moving a player like Manu into the mix could create some uncertainty at first as the unit adjusts to a new configuration.

Coaches would need to ensure that the new line, with Manu at guard, develops the proper communication and coordination to perform at a high level. This would require careful attention in practice and preseason games to get the line’s blocking schemes and communication solidified before the start of the season.

4. A Strategic Move Worth Exploring

The Detroit Lions have made great strides in rebuilding their offensive line, and adding depth and versatility to this unit is key to sustaining their growth. Moving Manu to guard this offseason could be a smart move, offering increased interior power in both the running game and pass protection. With his size, strength, and versatility, Manu could thrive in a guard role, helping elevate the Lions’ offensive line to new heights.

While there are challenges in making such a transition, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. The Lions should strongly consider experimenting with Manu at guard this offseason, particularly as they continue to shape their roster for the 2025 season. Whether he ends up staying at guard or not, this move could offer valuable insights into the team’s future needs and help them make adjustments that could be crucial to their success.