Lions take draft's most intriguing, versatile prospect in Sione Vaki

The Detroit Lions love playing a tough brand of football. Head coach Dan Campbell likes guys who are willing to get their nose dirty and do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Late in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Campbell and the Lions got themselves quite the player.

Detroit selected Utah safety Sione Vaki, who also played running back for the team last year as well. Vaki came in labeled as a safety, but made a huge impact on offense for the Utes in 2023, where he tallied over 500 total yards of offense and five touchdowns.

As a safety, though, Vaki's presence was felt as well.

It's pretty remarkable for Vaki to have graded out so well as a defender and an offensive weapon. Very rarely do you see guys who can play both sides of the ball, this day in age.

On defense, Vaki totaled 51 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss, 2.0 sacks two pass breakups and an interception last season. He was as well-rounded as you could possibly get as a defender, never mind the fact that he also played offense.

As a runner, Vaki rushed 42 times for 317 yards and an average of 7.5 yards per carry, scoring two touchdowns on the ground. In the passing game, Vaki caught 11 passes for 203 yards and three scores.

What position will Sione Vaki play with the Lions?

Vaki was announced as a running back on the air, during the draft, but the Lions of course have two very talented running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, both of whom get quite a bit of playing time. Maybe, Vaki plays a little running back here and there, but Detroit also needed to shore up their secondary this weekend, which they have done a nice job of.

In Round 1, of course, the Lions drafted Alabama corner Terrion Arnold before snagging Missouri corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round. Between the two of them and Vaki, Detroit has added some versatile, talented defensive backs in this year's draft.

It will be interesting to see, though, just where Vaki plays this season. Training camp and the offseason activities should reveal quite a bit more about the team's plans for the rookie.