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Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Sione Vaki, Utah

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 1/21/24

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for young talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Antonio Pierce is now the permanent head coach, much to the delight of players and fans alike. Now that he is in charge full-time, the Raiders can look for players who fit the culture he has built.

The Raiders made significant improvements on defense in 2023, looking like one of the best defenses in the NFL in the second half of the season. However, they could still look to add more talent to that side of the ball. They also want to add talent to the offensive side of the ball.

Fortunately for the Raiders, they can do both. Utah utility man Sione Vaki played on both sides of the ball throughout his Utes career, spending time at both safety and running back.

He finished his career as a running back with 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He posted 92 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two sacks, and an interception. He was named First-Team All-Pac 12 in 2023.

Vaki projects as a player who can contribute significantly on special teams, but may need to choose what side of the ball he plays on permanently, which appears to be safety.

Vaki is an interesting prospect for several reasons. He is versatile, but he only has one season of starting experience. That season saw him do something few players have done, playing both sides of the ball, which makes him a complicated evaluation.

Vaki stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 208 pounds, looking more like a running back than a safety. He is strong and likes to hit; his toughness may be his best trait. Vaki will never take a play off, always giving 100 percent every time he is on the field.

However, because of his lack of experience, Vaki is raw as a safety. He struggles in coverage and is not very refined as a tackler.

Vaki’s versatility and special teams potential could make him an appealing day three selection. If the Raiders want to add a player who can contribute on both sides of the ball, Vaki could be an intriguing fit.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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