Will Sione Vaki Have A Role For Lions As A Rookie?

Detroit Lions rookie running back Sione Vaki has endeared himself to head coach Dan Campbell throughout training camp and the preseason. His toughness is quickly matching the identity of Campbell's Lions. Vaki may be well behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs on the depth chart, but he should make a year-one impact on special teams and through manufactured touch opportunities.

In Saturday's preseason contest with the Kansas City Chiefs, Vaki somehow lost his facemask during his first carry. The former two-way Utah Utes standout emerged from the pile, facemaskless and all, displaying the grittiness that Campbell's squads are built on. It was a moment that proved the Lions and Vaki were the ideal pre-draft match.

Vaki was effective throughout Saturday's one-point victory over the Chiefs. The rookie fourth-rounder rushed for 22 yards via six carries. Vaki made an even larger impact in the passing game, catching four passes for 60 yards. He was Detroit's third-leading receiver.

It represented the continuation of the momentum Vaki built for himself against the New York Giants in the first week of the preseason. The Antioch, California native rushed for 29 yards on four attempts, averaging an explosive 7.3 yards per carry. Only dual-threat quarterback Hendon Hooker rushed for more yards for the Lions.

Vaki spent the majority of his college career playing safety at Utah. He moved to running back during the final six contests of 2023 almost out of sheer necessity after injuries struck. Given how early Vaki remains in his acclimation process, his instincts, tackle-breaking ability, and upside as a pass catcher have impressed. Lions general manager Brad Holmes gambled on his potential by investing the No. 132 overall selection in his services.

Vaki experienced up-and-down results at the NFL Scouting Combine. The former two-time First-Team All-Pac-12 selection enjoyed outstanding results in the explosion drills, posting a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. Vaki struggled in other tests, running a 4.62 40 with splits of 2.67 and 1.60 and a 7.16 3-cone and 4.28 shuttle. He's simply a better football player than he is an underwear athlete.

The Lions currently possess a sizable seven running backs on their 90-man roster. NFL franchises must finalize their initial 53-man rosters by next Tuesday's mid-afternoon deadline. Early indications are the Lions will retain four running backs, including Vaki.

Craig Reynolds is the other favorite to join Vaki on the initial roster behind Gibbs and Montgomery due to his experience, versatility, and special teams prowess. Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk, and Zonovan Knight are hoping the Lions keep a fifth running back, a spot they’d be competing for. Either way, Vaki's roster spot is beyond secure.

Vaki will likely spend his rookie campaign playing special teams and supporting Gibbs and Montgomery in the No. 3/4 role. He'll be afforded an opportunity to develop behind the scenes as he continues learning the position. However, the upside and improvement displayed during camp and the preseason should give Campbell's staff enough faith to rely on him should an injury or two occur.