Sione Vaki, a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft, was one of the team’s more intriguing selections. As a four-phase special team player, he is a versatile player who will most likely make an immediate impact. However, he also possesses the experience and ability set to be an offensive or defensive player.
As we continue our “5 things to know…” series on the Lions’ 2024 draft class, let’s get to know Vaki a little better:
He plays running back and safety, did you know that?
It’s crucial to remember that Vaki played mostly safety at Utah, even at the risk of making this into another Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw argument. However, Vaki was changed from his defensive duty to an offensive one after the running backs room was hit by an injury bug.
The coaching staff in Utah wasn’t just acting on a whim. Before going to another high school, Vaki had a lot of offensive experience in high school, sharing the backfield with Najee Harris. He was named the league MVP in his senior year after catching 70 passes for 1,394 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“He can play safety, we know that. Holmes stated, “We’re so intrigued by the running back stuff, especially since he hadn’t been specializing in it. We know he can do it. “So, if he’s genuinely majoring in this thing in one room, how far can this thing go? Thus, that will be the plan.
When I looked into Vaki’s preferences more, I found that, in this pre-draft interview with “Inside The Birds,” he provided a rather insightful response:
Vaki remarked, “I feel like offense comes more naturally to me.” Throughout my career, I have played a lot more offensive than defensive. But for some reason, I’m not sure.
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