ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions selected versatile Sione Vaki after moving up in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Earlier in the round, they nabbed OL Giovanni Manu.
Vaki played running back, safety and special teams at Utah. So an NFL position for him is not clearly defined.
“When I visited the Lions my initial thought was to come in and be wherever the coaches, wherever the organization wanted me to be. It was for the offensive side of the ball so wherever they need me I’m ready to go,’’ said Vaki who ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
He said his pre-draft process was nerve-wracking because teams viewed him differently. He said it benefits him knowing how to play both sides of the ball.
At Utah, Vaki also played special teams which is a benefit for a fourth-round player.
“I’m all about special teams,’’ said Vaki, the youngest of 11 children.
Last season he was first-team All-Pac 12 Conference and a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the year and the Paul Hornung Award for most versatile player. He started 12 games (42 carries, 317 yards, 2 TDs rushing; 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss with 2 sacks, INT, 2 pass break-ups). He played in all 14 games in 2022. In 2020-21 he served a two-year Latter Day Saints mission in Tonga.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein on Vaki: “Gamer who does whatever is necessary to help his team win. Vaki carries a thick frame with good upper-body power and heavy hands. He took on carries to help his team when it was stung by injuries, but he’s not an NFL running back. He’s a conscientious tackler who is careful to center up and launch his attack only when he’s in realistic striking position. He is overmatched in coverage and struggles when plays roll downfield. Vaki’s below-average athletic traits and lack of positional fit might create a limited path forward.’’
He projected Vaki as a sixth-round pick.
“I’m just grateful to be coming to the Motor City and ready to get started whenever,’’ Vaki said.
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