The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in a pair of lottery ticket tackles from a Canadian college.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL go to great lengths to make sure they can find anyone who could potentially play in the NFL. And that remains no different this season, as the University of British Columbia is starting to reveal one of the ‘best-kept secrets’ in the class. Left tackle Giovanni Manu has drawn interest from teams and has seven official 30 visits before the NFL Draft. And it appears that Pittsburgh has scouted him.
According to 3 Down Nation, the Steelers were a team that scouted Manu during the season, though they did not attend his pro day. His teammate Theo Benedet is another name to watch, and both happen to be the team’s tackles. But Manu, who is Tongan, tested like a freak at his pro day. At 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, Manu ran an absurd 4.96 40-yard dash with a vertical jump of 33.5 inches.
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
Manu would be a fascinating project for any team to develop. Andy Weidl and the Eagles have done that in the past; just look at Jordan Mailata. And the urgency for a high-upside add is there with the Steelers tackle situation and the disappointing play of Dan Moore Jr.
Moore was one of the worst offensive tackles in the league last year. He allowed eight sacks in 2023, which was tied for eighth-most in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Moore’s PFF pass-blocking grade was 39.7, which ranked as the sixth-lowest in the league.
Pittsburgh did scout both Manu and Benedet, which does not mean they are destined to become Steelers, but a 30 visit can not be ruled out in the future. And that is the type of swing that teams could take on day three that makes sense, especially with that type of rare athleticism that Manu possesses. So, it’s something to watch as the NFL Draft nears closer.
