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New York Giants Draft Prospect: SAF/RB Sione Vaki

Originally posted on FanNation Giants Country
By Nick Falato | Last updated 3/12/24

Sione Vaki, SAF/RB

Height: 5’11
Weight: 210 lbs.
Class: Sophomore
School: Utah
Stats

Measurements
Hands: 8 ⅝”
Arms: 29 ⅛”
40-yard dash: 4.62
10-yard split: 1.54
Vertical Jump: 39 ½”
Broad Jump: 10’5
Bench Press: 20 reps

A former three-star recruit from Liberty High School in Brentwood, California, where he was the 76th Californian and the 44th safety in his recruiting class. Despite only being a sophomore, Vaki is 22 years old; he went on a church mission for two years. Vaki could be the most interesting prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons at Utah, where he played 998 defensive snaps, 248 snaps on special teams, and 76 snaps this past season on offense.

Vaki’s impact extended well beyond his starting role as a strong safety. In 2023, he averaged 7.5 yards per carry on 42 rushing attempts and scored two rushing touchdowns. He also had 11 catches on 14 targets for 203 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He was a big play threat who had over 200 total yards in Utah’s 34-32 Week 8 victory.

He operated a lot near the line of scrimmage on defense and was frequently the contain defender on the EDGE. His sturdy frame allowed him to slip blocks with ease, but his short arms also worked against him when he was up against bigger - and longer - blockers on the EDGE. He’s started 17 of 26 games. He put his versatility on display at the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Summary

Sione Vaki is a very physical and explosive player who is better when operating around the line of scrimmage. He’s strong at the point of attack and never shies from contact, but he can be a bit wild into the tackle point unless he breaks down, comes to balance, and fires low. Range and man coverage concerns at the next level cap his upside, but he could be an ideal special teams player who can have a marginal impact in all three phases of football since he proves his worth as an offensive playmaker in 2023.

He isn’t as talented as Jabrill Peppers, who was effective on both sides of the football at Michigan, but Vaki is strong, stout, good against the run, and explosive when he comes into contact with the football. He also took quality angles downhill from depth between the hashes when he diagnosed the routes correctly; had a few coverage lapses, though, when he was rotating, which Utah did often. His length and lack of elite athletic traits may work against him, but he has a place in the NFL and could become a fan favorite due to his unique nature.

GRADE: 5.81

This article first appeared on FanNation Giants Country and was syndicated with permission.

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