Sione Vaki has proven to be a valuable rookie for the Detroit Lions in his first NFL season. Drafted in the fourth round of last April’s draft, the Lions traded
up to select the versatile Utah safety. Vaki’s skill set, which includes playing both safety and running back in college, made him an appealing choice.At Utah, he showcased his versatility by stepping in as a running back during an injury crisis, amassing impressive stats such as 159 rushing yards and a touchdown against Cal and 217 scrimmage yards with two receiving touchdowns against USC.
When the Lions drafted Vaki, he was initially announced as a running back, but their social media labeled him a safety.
General manager Brad Holmes described him as a “football player that plays football like how we like it,” emphasizing his adaptability and willingness to play wherever needed. Holmes also projected him as a core special teamer, and Vaki embraced that role.
With a crowded depth chart that included Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds, Vaki saw limited action on offense, appearing in just 26 snaps during the regular season. He recorded six carries and three receptions, one of which came on a fake punt in Week 2.
Despite limited offensive opportunities, Vaki’s impact was undeniable on special teams, where he played 310 snaps.
Vaki’s contributions on special teams were vital.
He recorded eight tackles and earned an impressive overall special teams grade of 90.3 from Pro Football Focus, ranking in the top 10 among all players with minimum snap counts.
His efforts earned him a spot as the special teamer on Pro Football Focus’s All-Rookie Team for the 2024 season.
Special teams play often goes unnoticed, but it’s critical to a team’s success.
Routine tasks like coverage tackles or key blocks on returns are easily overlooked by fans, but they are essential.
Vaki excelled in these less glamorous but vital roles, showcasing his value to the Lions in ways that go beyond statistics.
Though he contributed little offensively as the No. 4 running back, Vaki’s teammates and coaches recognized his impact as a special teamer.
His performance exemplified discipline, effort, and reliability, traits that align with the Lions’ philosophy.
While fans may have overlooked his contributions, the Lions and their coaching staff have not, ensuring Vaki’s rookie season will be remembered as a quiet but impactful success.