The Detroit Lions initially started scouting Sione Vaki in college as a safety, then kept their eyes on him as he made the change to running back.
The Lions ended up drafting Vaki last year as a running back, adding him to the roster as a versatile back and special-teams ace. Though the Lions have a stacked backfield led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the coaching staff has shared big praise for Vaki and could have a bigger role planned for him in 2025.
Lions Aiming to Develop Sione Vaki
As The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy noted, the Lions have plenty of faith in Vaki and see him as “a quick study and a mature player,” coming into the league at age 24 and only playing running back for two seasons before coming to the NFL.
Vaki didn’t have many opportunities on offense last year, rushing six times for 14 yards and making three receptions for 37 yards. He played a bigger role on special teams, appearing in 71% of the snaps and making eight tackles with one forced fumble.
Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice said the team loves what they’ve seen from Vaki so far this offseason.
“You know what, I am very impressed by him right now,” Choice said. “Having a chance to have him in OTAs — his quickness, his suddenness. He works extremely hard.”
Choice hinted that Vaki could slide into an even bigger role in the coming season.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how well he does, because he has it in him,” Choice said. “He has the speed, he has the quickness, and he has to tune some stuff in on his game. But the fact that he’s coachable and he listens and he works at it. And so for me, it’s my job to get him better.”
Special Teams Could Play a Major Role
Vaki’s versatility on special teams could give him a big boost in looking for a roster spot in the coming season. SI.com’s Christian Booher predicted the Lions would keep four running backs this season simply because Vaki is so valuable on special teams.
“The Lions’ affinity for special teams versatility will likely play a huge role in why they carry four running backs into the regular season,” Booher wrote. “Vaki was a special teams ace last season, and could see an increased role in his second campaign as he continues to develop as a running back.”
Choice added that he has worked closely with special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, who sees Vaki still playing on both units in 2025.
“I know how well he’s done this last year on teams, talking to Fipp a lot,” Choice said. “And I’m back having a chance to be with the returns and seeing him move and his movement and watching tape. But this son of a gun can play. And to me, I think he’s still putty where you can form him to be the player you want. But the fact that he has D-Mo, he has Jah, guys that do things the right way, he’s in a position to really succeed.”
