Instant analysis: How RB/S Sione Vaki will impact the Detroit Lions

Exploring how fourth-round pick RB/S Sione Vaki’s skill set will impact the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions continue to make trades, and for the second time in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions made a trade to move into the fourth round to secure a high-upside player. After a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that netted Detroit pick No. 132, the Lions drafted running back/safety Sione Vaki.

For those who have been following along with my draft analysis this season, Vaki has been one of my favorite prospects in this entire draft class. This offseason, I included Vaki in my NFL Combine preview of the safeties group, my review of the safeties who impressed at the Combine, and I even traded into the fourth round of my final mock draft of the year.

Vaki’s story is unique and he sends a clear message of his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team find success. After a religious mission to Tonga before starting his career at Utah, Vaki joined the team as a safety and started five of his 14 games played that season. In 2023, he started all 12 games at safety, and over the final six games of the season, he expanded his game to also starting at running back.

Running back?

Despite his limited experience as a college running back—just 42 rushes and 14 receptions over six games—the Lions announced him as a running back and Vaki confirmed that the majority of his interactions with the team—both at the Combine and on his top “30” visit—were with offensive coaches, most notably Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Vaki’s mental makeup and production rate—though limited—are impressive. He averaged 7.5 yards per rushing attempt, including 3.19 yards after contact, totaling 319 yards in total. As a pass catcher, he saw snaps out of the backfield and the slot, recording 14 receptions for 203 yards (an insane 7.51 yards per route run), including chewing up USC for 149 yards on five receptions in Week 8.

Safety?

The majority of Vaki’s experience in college is as a defensive back, where he played as a split-zone safety in Utah’s defensive scheme. He showed solid range and the willingness to lay big hits on people. He is very physical, plays with a downhill aggressive mentality, and shows good patience to get in the right position before committing to a tackle.

Football player!

Vaki is one of the most versatile football players in this draft class and is willing, and capable, of lining up at multiple spots. It appears as if the Lions are planning on having him work with the running backs, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him get some familiarity at safety, and he will surely spend a lot of time with Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.

With the new kickoff rules in place designed to favor tough, quicker players with blocking skills and rushing vision, Vaki could be the first player brought in specifically for special teams purposes.

At the end of the day, Vaki is the definition of a football player and he’ll fit right in with Detroit and their approach to the game.

“Hopefully I’m going to make a huge impact (laughs). I bring a lot of versatility and athleticism to the next level,” Vaki told Justin Melo of the Draft Network. “I’m going to help coaches a lot because they can implement me on certain packages on both sides of the ball. I’m not a sub-package player. I never have to come off the field. I feel like I’m a perfect fit for offense and defense. I create mismatches on both sides.”