Sione Vaki's unique journey from the University of Utah to the NFL was well documented last year when the Lions took the safety-turned-running back in the fourth round of last year's NFL Draft.
Vaki was behind David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds in Detroit's backfield rotation, but still found a way to make an impact as a rookie being a core special teams player.
"Yeah, well that's what first stood out is we thought he was one of the better special teams players in this entire Draft, all four phases of special teams," Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after drafting Vaki 132nd overall last year. "Especially with some of the changes that are coming about, he's really – he's starting to come to life even more."
Holmes was spot on as Vaki ended up leading the Lions in special teams tackles this season with eight while also forcing a fumble. Vaki has really embraced his special teams role and values the importance of it. He said one of his goals for next season is to be a Pro Bowler on special teams. Not many young players in this league have that one on the goal list. It shows how unique Vaki is.
He was mixed in sparingly in Detroit's backfield, finishing with 14 rushing yards on six attempts and catching all three of his targets in the passing game for 37 yards. The Lions like his potential there and he could push for a role next season behind Gibbs and Montgomery.
But if not, Vaki still has the potential to be one of the best special teams players in the NFL moving forward and there's real value in that, especially playing for a head coach in Dan Campbell that values special teams play more than most.
Vaki said he learned a ton his rookie season but maybe the best lesson came from a conversation he had with Reynolds early on.
"When it comes to Craig ... I really learned that when it comes to special teams have a role but when they call your number, be ready and go above and beyond what they ask you for," Vaki said. "Overall, I'm grateful for everything that happened this year. Just excited for next year."
Vaki just wants to have even more impact in Year 2, whether that's on special teams, on offense or both.
"Being able to understand the game and every detail that goes along with it. Situation ball, down and distance and things like that," he said. "Being able to study film and understand how to study film. All those small things I learned throughout the year is really going to help me for Year 2.
"I want to come back poised and calm and ready for any challenge. Prepared. Understanding it's going to be hard, but knowing I've been through the situation before. Really just trying to contribute to the team. Whether it being trying to be on offense or just balling out on special teams. Whatever that role is."
