Sione Vaki, a standout at Utah where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors on defense and special teams, is now making a name for himself in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. While Vaki was known for his defensive prowess and versatility in college, he is now focused on carving out a role on the offensive side of the ball.
The Lions drafted Vaki with the intention of utilizing him as a running back, a position he also excelled in during his college career. His performance during the preseason has been impressive, showing he can contribute effectively both in rushing and receiving. In a recent preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Vaki accumulated 82 yards from ten touches, demonstrating his potential as a versatile offensive weapon.
Despite his strong preseason showing, Vaki faces tough competition in the Lions’ crowded backfield, which includes established players like Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds. Given this depth, Vaki might find himself primarily contributing on special teams, at least initially. Nonetheless, his ability to adapt and excel on offense, even when it was a secondary focus in college, highlights his valuable skill set.
Vaki’s quick adjustment to the NFL and his standout performances in practice suggest that he could become a significant asset for the Lions. His dual-threat capability and special teams experience provide the team with flexibility and depth, making him a player to watch as the season progresses.
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