Bengals taking a closer look at international NFL Draft prospect who's growing in popularity

The Cincinnati Bengals are continuing their efforts in researching the best offensive tackles this month’s NFL Draft has to offer.

Giovanni Manu from the University of British Columbia is reportedly next up to come into town. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reports Manu is visiting Cincinnati this week along with several other clubs.

Manu indeed hails from Canada and is a huge player. He’s as tall and large as both of the Bengals’ starting tackles in Orlando Brown Jr., and Trent Brown, but he brings so much more athleticism than both of them combined.

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.

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.…

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 8, 2024

At his pro day, the CFL product ran a 4.96 40-yard dash, jumped 33.5 in the vertical, and 107″ in the broad. Both jumps are as insanely impressive as his 40 time at his immense size.

Manu spent five years at UBC, with 2023 being a highlight year for him. He was charged with just five pressures out of 212 passing snaps while playing left tackle the entire season. He also took reps at left guard during his college career.

There’s no mistaking where Manu would play in the NFL being that size, and the Bengals make sense as a fit. The depth behind Brown Jr. at left tackle is minimal, with Cody Ford and D’Ante Smith being the next options at the moment.

Manu would be an enticing developmental option to stash behind Brown for the long run in hopes that he grasps proper technique in a few years.

It would be a surprise to see Manu drafted relatively early due to his lack of experience against quality competition, but the Bengals have six picks after the third round. Where he lands will be fascinating to track.

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