After early departure, Utah's Sione Vaki selected by Lions with No. 132 overall pick

DETROIT — For a stretch during the 2023 football season, Sione Vaki was one of the most dynamic players in the country.

The Utes starting safety was suddenly thrust into a role on the offensive side of the ball to help an anemic offense that needed a jumpstart — and Vaki was the answer.

In an instant, Vaki became a proven two-way player overnight, and showed glimpses of what former Utes safety Eric Weddle did in his time at Utah.

He recorded five touchdowns and had 317 rushing yards and 203 receiving yards — all while adding 51 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception on defense.

Vaki used that success to declare early for the NFL draft after two years at Utah, and was selected No. 132 overall Saturday to the Detroit Lions as a running back.

He becomes the third Utes player drafted this season, and the fourth player selected by the Lions. He joins Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold (No. 24), Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (No. 61), and British Columbia offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (No. 126).

Though Vaki had proven success in his last season at Utah, the two-way player had a lackluster showing at the NFL Combine, where he ran an uncharacteristic 4.62 40-yard dash, and saw his stock in the draft fall as a result.

The pre-draft workouts did little to help Vaki, mixed with only one true starting season, but the Lions still see potential in the two-way player, who could find a spot on the roster in a multitude of ways. As a 2023 preseason "freak," according to The Athletic, Vaki has the capability to prove it at the next level.

"Vaki carries a thick frame with good upper-body power and heavy hands," NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein said. "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."

Related topics