The Detroit Lions selected Sione Vaki from the University of Utah with the 132nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pick #132 and pick #210 were acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for picks 164, 201, and a 2025 4th-round pick.
According to the Lions, Vaki, who primarily played safety at Utah, was selected as a running back. This move, both the Lions selecting Vaki in the 4th round and drafting him as a running back and not a safety, turned some heads.
Over the past several Detroit Lions drafts, there's no denying two facts:
Analysts and media have been highly critical of Brad Holmes' picks.
Brad Holmes knows what he's doing.
While not every pick can be a home run, Brad Holmes is the reigning GM of the Year for a reason. To keep track of what's been said about 2024 Detroit Lions draft pick Sione Vaki, we've compiled a receipt tracker here for future reference.
"Only one team matters right now & it's Detroit & I'll play wherever they need me."
Sione Vaki spoke to PFF's Connor Rogers at the NFL Combine. PFF referred to Vaki as one of the most unique players in the NFL Draft. Vaki shares he prefers to play defense "a lot more," and would take intercepting a pass for a touchdown over a rushing or receiving touchdown.
Brock Huard profiled Sione Vaki prior to the draft, and Brock and Salk dreamed of how he could fit with the Seattle Seahawks. "Cause that dude is a flat out baller."
Brad Holmes on Sione Vaki
While recapping the Lions 2024 Draft Class, Brad Holmes raved about Sione Vaki completing four separate position workouts. Brad also stated that Vaki is the best special teams player in the entire 2024 NFL Draft.
Vaki RAS
Sione Vaki scored a 7.93 RAS out of a possible 10.00, which ranks 394 out of 1903 RB from 1987 to 2024. RAS (Relative Athletic Scores) compares the athleticism of players compared to others at their position.
PFF Grades
Despite his average RAS score, Vaki's play on offense stood out. Vaki earned a 94.0 PFF Grade on offense as a running back and wide receiver.
Grades for the Detroit Lions Selection of Sione Vaki
Emory Hunt: A
"He not only helps you in the return game, but also in the kickoff coverage game...and if you need him to carry the football, he can do that as well."
VIto Chirco (All Lions): B
Brandon Knepp (Pride of Detroit): B
Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free Press): C
Zack Moran (Lions Wire): B
Logan Loramandier (All Lions): C+
Lions Fans: B
Positive Quotes
“I honestly think there’s going to be two-back sets…you’re going to be able to bring him out and drop him in the slot.” - Erik Schlitt, Good Morning Pride Podcast
“He’s going to be Dave Fipp’s pet project.” - Erik Schlitt, Good Morning Pride Podcast
“I almost want to create a new category for him… put him under ‘weapon.’” - Erik Schlitt, Good Morning Pride Podcast
“He’s a GRIT back.” - Ryan Matthews, Good Morning Pride Podcast
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an instant impact as a special teams performer.” - Vito Chirco, All Lions
“Given the evolving nature of NFL kickoff rules, Vaki’s versatility makes him an intriguing prospect, capable of filling multiple roles on the field.” - Zack Moran, Lions Wire
“He was, by the numbers, the most efficient running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class.” - Anthony Writer, Writer Wrong
“They can turn Sione Vakin into a really strong RB2 or RB3 option.” - Anthony Writer, Writer Wrong
“No matter what position Vaki settles in at, his special teams value will be immediate. This guy is just a football player, with an excellent work ethic and high-end character.” - Logan Loramandier, All Lions
“Gamer who does whatever is necessary to help his team win,” NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his draft guide.
“I think he’s a defensive back, I think that’s where he should be, but I think the Lions will use him everywhere…Vaki is a universal player.” - Mike Kimber, Lions Talk by Chat Sports
“Vaki, I think, could have more of an immediate impact than people think.” - John Maakaron, All Lions
“When you see what he can do, you know why the Lions, and other teams, were so interested in drafting him. He has three phase ability and the Lions look to use him as such.” Mike Payton, A to Z Sports
“Lions got a stud in Vaki. DC & BH kind of guy. He played DS, WR, and RB at @seniorbowl and never balked at all that moving around. Conversely, he embraced it.” - Jim Nagy, Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director
Critical Quotes
"If I'm not mistaken, they announced him as a running back. I hope they let him play running back, that would be hilarious." - Peter Bukowski on Locked On Lions
“If the Lions plan to use him on the offensive side of the ball, he would likely be a depth option at best.” - Logan Loramandier, All Lions
“In coverage, he seems to lack instinct and is rarely in position to make plays on the ball.” - Logan Loramandier, All Lions
“I don’t really think Sione Vaki is an NFL-caliber safety.” - Anthony Writer, Writer Wrong
“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.” - Lance Zierlein
Twitter (X) Receipts
“Did Brad Holmes draft the ultimate Lion in Sione Vaki??” - @TheFifthTop
“I have a feeling @sione_vaki is going to be the "Sam LaPorta/Jahmyr Gibbs" of the @Lions draft this year. By that, I mean people are going to criticize the pick... But when season starts, he's going to completely blow people away with everything he does.” - @JustinManeOff
“This pick has Broderick Martin written all over it. This pick doesn’t make sense at all. You give up draft capital to move up to draft player who was going to be an undrafted free agent after the draft.” - @bigmac161616
“Sounds like a bust.” - @ericdavis221
“Such a bad pick SMFH.” - @music058931451
“A 3rd string RB in the 4th round is bad. It’s a low upside pick, which requires some very creative imagination to see the field.” - @lordballsmore
Comments