Tag: Sione Vaki

Lions add reserve running back, potential special teams ace Sione Vaki

The Detroit Lions add reserve running back, potential special teams ace by trading up in the 4th round for Sione Vaki

The Detroit Lions traded up, again, in the fourth round and selected Utah’s Sione Vaki. Though he was commonly listed as a safety throughout the draft process, Vaki was announced as a running back when the Lions selected him.

Detroit is no stranger to players that made the switch from defense to offense, such as linebacker-turned-fullbacks Nick Bellore and Jason Cabinda or former defensive backs Godwin Igwebuike and Jamal Agnew. While those four players didn’t make much of an impact on offense, they all were key contributors in another aspect of the game: special teams.

Vaki fits what Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell look for in a core special teamer. His capabilities as a running back open the door for him to return kickoffs as well as be an option to get the ball on fake punts, something Dan Campbell is well known for.

As a college safety, Vaki knows defense as well. Not only will he be an emergency option in the defensive backfield, but he will be the kind of player who will be in on every tackle on special teams. Expect Vaki to be a playmaker on the kickoff and punt teams.

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As for the running back room, Detroit is set with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as their one-two punch. Craig Reynolds has been a reliable backup and return specialist, and the team was high on Zonovan Knight before he suffered a season-ending injury. Jake Funk and Jermar Jefferson are also fighting for a roster spot.

Vaki is all but guaranteed to make the roster in some capacity, and there’s a good chance he will emerge as the third or fourth running back on the depth chart.

Grading the Lions selection of RB Sione Vaki in fourth round

Grading the Detroit Lions selection of Utah S/RB Sione Vaki after trading back into the fourth round

Immediately following the selection of Giovanni Manu, GM Brad Holmes continued his assertive approach by orchestrating another trade in the fourth round to acquire the versatile Sione Vaki. The Lions relinquished their fifth-round pick (164), sixth-round pick (201), and a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for the fourth-round pick (132) and sixth-round pick (210).

The Lions’ interest in Vaki was no secret, as they viewed him as a potential Swiss Army knife for the team. While many scouts labeled him as a safety during the draft process, the Lions envisioned him as a running back, a perspective emphasized during his visit with OC Ben Johnson and RB coach Scottie Montgomery in Detroit.

With Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery solidifying the Lions’ running back room, Vaki could carve out a niche role beyond that. His value may primarily lie in his contributions on special teams, where his skills as both a safety and a return specialist could prove invaluable.

Given the evolving nature of NFL kickoff rules, Vaki’s versatility makes him an intriguing prospect, capable of filling multiple roles on the field. While the Lions primarily see him as a running back, he could also provide depth at safety if necessary, although he may require some coaching to refine his route recognition and tackling techniques, having struggled with missed tackles in the past.

The cost to move up for Vaki was deemed reasonable by the Lions, who believe he can make an immediate impact across all three phases of the game. How the Lions choose to utilize him will be closely watched, but there’s little doubt about the potential value Vaki brings to Detroit with his versatility and multifaceted skill set.

Grade: B

Instant reaction to the Lions trading up to select Giovanni Manu and Sione Vaki

Instant reaction to the Lions trading up to select Giovanni Manu and Sione Vaki in the fourth round

For a team that wasn’t scheduled to have any picks in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, it sure turned into an eventful round for the Detroit Lions.

Detroit and GM Brad Holmes made two separate trades to jump into the fourth round. The first saw the Lions send a 2025 third-round pick to the New York Jets for giant Giovanni Manu, an offensive tackle prospect who played college at British Columbia in Canada. The second trade dealt three picks (164, 201 and a 2025 fourth-rounder) to the Philadelphia Eagles for No. 132 and No. 210. With that pick, the Lions drafted Utah running back/safety Sione Vaki.

Manu is about as unknown of a prospect as there can be this early in the draft. A 6-foot-7, 352-pound native of Tonga, he went to Canada as a basketball player before outgrowing the sport. He’s played left tackle for the University of British Columbia. Dripping with athletic promise, Manu’s game is still raw.

Vaki did a little bit of everything at Utah. In 2023 alone, the 5-11, 210-pound athlete played at least 50 snaps at free safety, box safety, slot corner and off-ball LB on defense, as well as at running back. He even took 13 reps as a wildcat quarterback. In his introductory press conference, Vaki indicated the Lions will have him play running back as his primary position.

These are very interesting trades, particularly for Manu. Sending a 2025 third-round pick for a player who is unlikely to play before that season is a gamble on the player developmental prowess of offensive line coach Hank Fraley. On the surface, Manu provides an athletic but terribly inexperienced backup tackle to a team in desperate need of depth across the offensive line.

Befitting that he’s effectively a 2025 pick and cost the Lions no 2024 draft capital, judging the trade up and selection of Manu needs to wait until at least 2025. It’s an investment in the future with a player Holmes and the Lions clearly felt quite strongly about his potential.

Vaki figures to be a core special teams player in Detroit as well as a reserve running back. He’s an explosive but all-or-nothing type of runner, with a physical style and decent hands out of the backfield but not a lot of elusiveness or lateral quickness. The trade up indicates the Lions see him as a potential return specialist as well as a coverage teams demon.

Trading up into the fourth round to land players who almost certainly won’t contribute beyond special teams as rookies carries some risk for Holmes and Detroit. Should Manu prove a quick study and can be the No. 3 offensive tackle in 2024, that will help the perception, but that’s not a given.

This is an exercise in trusting Holmes to trust his board and his coaching staff for the long-term instead of drafting more for immediate need or rookie contribution. The pick traded away for Vaki were unlikely to do much on the field for 2024 either, so that should soften the blow if the new Lions don’t ultimately pan out.

Lions trade up again, land Utah S/RB Sione Vaki in the fourth round

The Lions traded three picks to land Vaki, who can play safety or running back

With the No. 132 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions selected Utah’s Sione Vaki. Detroit traded up to make the selection, dealing with the Philadelphia Eagles to land the Senior Bowl standout.

Detroit acquired the pick to select Vaki as well as the No. 210 overall of the seventh round. In return, the Lions sent back picks 164, 201 and a 2025 fourth-rounder to the Eagles.

Vaki played both safety and running back for Utah and did that same double-duty during the Senior Bowl week. The Lions are initially listing him at safety. He met with the Lions in Mobile and also on one of their 30 pre-draft visits.

Special teams figures to be where Vaki will make or break in the NFL. His return ability and coverage skills with his athleticism at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds are tailor-made for the new kickoff and kick return rules.

Lions have a pre-draft visit with a very unusual talent

The Detroit Lions have a pre-draft visit set with Utah’s Sione Vaki, who can play safety, running back and all kinds of special teams

One of the more interesting prospects in the 2024 NFL draft has an upcoming pre-draft visit with the Detroit Lions. Utah safety and running back Sione Vaki revealed in an interview with Justin Melo of The Draft Network that he has a “top-30” visit set with the Lions.

Vaki played both safety and running back for the Utes in 2024, though position labels don’t really apply to the 5-foot-11, 210-pound bundle of versatility. He played at least 50 snaps at free safety, box safety, slot corner and off-ball LB on defense, as well as at running back. He even took 13 reps as a wildcat quarterback.

In the interview with Melo, Vaki indicated that he prefers to play safety in the NFL. He performed well in both coverage and blitz drills at safety during Senior Bowl week, where he did meet with the Lions. Vaki also thrived on special teams and could be a special weapon with the new kickoff and kick return format.

With three weeks until the draft, Vaki generally projects in the fourth or fifth rounds.

Could 49ers be looking for NFL version of Shohei Ohtani?

Do the #49ers have visions of adding the NFL’s Shohei Ohtani?

Finding an NFL comparison to Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is impossible. Impacting the game both ways the way Ohtani does isn’t something an NFL player would be able to do consistently given the physical rigors of the sport. The 49ers might be trying to find that player anyway.

In what could be an expansion of their “positionless” offense, the 49ers are hosting Utah running back/defensive back Sione Vaki on a top 30 visit according to the Draft Network’s Justin Melo.

Vaki played both directions for the Utes and posted 317 rushing yards, 223 receiving yards and five total touchdowns as a running back last season. He also contributed 92 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one interception and six pass breakups as a safety. His defensive contributions came across 26 games in two seasons, while his offensive stats were all accumulated in the 2023 campaign.

The likelihood that Vaki can regularly play both ways in the NFL is very slim. Adding a player like him though could open two doors for San Francisco. There’s a chance it’s straightforward where they like Vaki at one position or the other and believe he can contribute for them at one of those spots. The other side of that coin though is one where they like Vaki for one spot, but they really like the idea of having two-way capability. Perhaps they like him as a running back who can add emergency depth at safety. They could also view him as a safety who can work into a couple of different offensive packages at running back.

Chances are it’s the former where they like him at one position or the other. Given Ohtani’s meteoric rise in baseball though it’s hard not to ponder what a regular two-way NFL player might look like. While Vaki might have the skill set to be effective on both sides of the ball though, it’s much more likely he winds up sticking at one no matter how lofty a team’s ambitions for him might be.

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10 defensive backs for the Ravens to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

The Ravens are in Indianapolis for the NFL combine, and GM Eric DeCosta will be front and center to watch the defensive backs and tight ends work out.

Cornerback depth will be a massive priority for Baltimore, and there will be changes this offseason with Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, and Rock-Ya-Sin all pending free agents.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Ravens to watch.

10 defensive backs for the Eagles to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Defensive back depth is a massive priority for the Eagles, and that’ll be the position to watch on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Howie Roseman is looking to retool the roster following Philadelphia’s historic collapse, finishing the season 1-6 after a 10-1 start.

There could be decisions on cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry in the coming days, while the Eagles only have two safeties on the roster after releasing Kevin Byard.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for Philadelphia to watch.

Potential safety targets in 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense

Who could be safety targets in the 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense?

If the Green Bay Packers were to play a game this Sunday, they’d roll out Anthony Johnson Jr and Benny Sapp III as their two starting safeties. With Darnell Savage Jr, Rudy Ford and Jonathon Owens set to be free agents, Brian Gutekunst will need to get new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley some safety help this offseason.

“I think it’s an important spot,” Hafley said during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “I think that guy back in the middle of the field, when things break down – when they throw the ball up in the air, he has to go and get it. I think it’s a very important spot in the defense.”

As a team last season the Packers picked off just seven passes, with three of those interceptions coming from the safety group. If it’s up to Hafley, that number will rise during his first season as defensive coordinator at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

“I want a guy who can erase things,” Hafley said. “We gotta eliminate explosive plays when we play this defense, so if a run hits up the middle, this guy’s gotta come out of the middle field with his hair on fire, he’s gotta be able to get a guy down. I also want him to be a guy, when a ball carrier is wrapped up, he goes and he finishes off the pile. I want a guy who can go from sideline to sideline and take the ball away. I think that position has to be a guy with high ball production, meaning he’s gotta be able to intercept the ball. He’s gotta be a guy that can communicate and he’s gotta be a guy that can get guys lined up and make some calls back there and I’d love a guy that can play man, so I guess I’m describing the perfect player to you, but those are some of the traits I’d look for in playing that position.”

There is a lot to digest from what Hafley looks for out of his safeties. Let’s take a look at some defensive backs that fit the bill and that could be targets for the Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Yes, technically DeJean is listed as a cornerback. If the Packers zone in on the Iowa product, they’d likely view him as a hybrid defensive back. He has the rangy athleticism to play centerfield to be the field eraser that Hafley described. He’s quick to trigger coming downhill in run support. Most importantly, DeJean has natural ball skills. Over the past two seasons, DeJean picked off seven passes, broke up 13 passes and scored three touchdowns. He’s the playmaker that Hafley’s defensive scheme needs.

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

While Nubin may not be the rangiest of safeties in this class he checks a lot of boxes with his ball production and willingness in run support. He’s the first natural safety that came to mind when listening to Hafley describe what he looks for in a safety. 

The Gopher safety is a great communicator from the backend and recognizes route concepts. He’s rarely out of position and doesn’t give up explosive plays. He keeps everything in front of him. A former high school wide receiver, Nubin has natural ball skills and finished his career with 13 interceptions. As a run defender, he has the downfield burst and takes proper angles to the ball carrier.

Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

When talking about natural safeties, Kinchens may have the range in this draft class. He covers a lot of real estate in the backend. Over the past two seasons, the Miami safety picked off 11 passes and broke up 11 more. He understands route combinations and has good field vision. While he’s a willing participant in run support, he’s prone to the occasional whiff (24 missed tackles over the past two seasons). 

Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia

Bullard has the toolkit to be a high-end hybrid defensive back. A former track athlete, Bullard recorded four interceptions and eight pass deflections over the past two seasons. He has the fluidity and short-area quickness to line up in the slot and the range to cover the backend. He flies downhill in run support and packs a little punch when he arrives. 

Calen Bullock, S, USC

The USC safety may have the most natural ball skills of any safety in this draft class. He plays the ball like a wide receiver and finished his career at USC with nine interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He has disciplined eyes and covers a lot of real estate. His poor tackling may keep him off Green Bay’s board. 

Beau Brade, DB, Maryland

The Maryland product brings a versatile skill set. He can play in the box, in the slot or high. He has a quick trigger coming downhill, but will need to clean up his tackling (35 missed tackles over the past two seasons). He has good field vision and is an explosive mover.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB, Texas Tech

The Texas Tech defensive back has a radar for the football. Over the past three seasons, Taylor-Demerson has picked off 10 passes and recorded 33 pass deflections. He has true centerfield range and a high football IQ with good route instincts. Taylor-Demerson has outstanding closing burst when he attacks downhill against the run.

Malik Mustapha, DB, Wake Forest

If Hafley wants a defensive back that plays with his hair on fire, he may fall in love with Mustapha. He’s as tough as nails and flies downhill in run support. He plays with a thumper mentality and lays the wood upon arrival. The Wake Forest defensive back is at his best coming downhill, he has enough range to play in the backend.

Sione Vaki, DB, Utah

Another player that plays like his hair is on fire. The Utah defensive back is a heat-seeking missile and he wants to knock you into another dimension. He’s an explosive athlete and is quick to process the action in front of him. He’s a versatile prospect who can wear multiple hats in Hafley’s defense.

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

The Utah safety is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, but he’s capable of filling multiple roles for a defense. Whether he’s playing in the slot, in the box or deep, Bishop is always around the football. 

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Like Bishop, Hicks is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage. That doesn’t mean he can’t roam the middle of Hafley’s defense. Hicks is an active run defender and explodes downhill to meet the ball carrier. Line him up in the box, in the slot or deep, it doesn’t matter, the physicality that Hicks plays with is exactly what Green Bay’s defense needs. He’s another safety who plays with a relentless energy that Hafley is looking for as he looks to build this defense. 

Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State

Hafley coached Proctor during the 2019 season at Ohio State. Talk to anybody around that covered Ohio State this past season and they’ll tell you Proctor was one of the leaders on that defense. He’s a cerebral player who is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type prospect. He’s just a well-rounded player that can wear multiple hats.

Ravens 7-round mock draft 2.0 as we look towards NFL free agency

The Baltimore Ravens are retooling and we’ve unveiled are second 2024 NFL Mock draft of the offseason and ahead of the scouting combine

The Ravens are looking to regroup after exiting the playoffs via a disastrous 17-10 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore is currently 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros.

And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

Baltimore also has 29 players scheduled to hit free agency, and some tough decisions will be made regarding who returns.

With the Reese’s Senior Bowl complete and the NFL scouting combine approaching, we’re looking at the Ravens Wire’s second seven-round mock draft of the offseason via PFF.