San Francisco 49ers an ideal landing spot for potential two-way star Sione Vaki in the 2024 NFL Draft

In previous drafts, the San Francisco 49ers have received criticism for reaching for running backs, with a host of ill-advised bets on players at the position producing hugely disappointing returns.

Joe Williams (fourth round), Trey Sermon (third round), and Tyrion Davis-Price (third round) are all part of the 49ers' rap sheet when it comes to running back failures in the draft. None of that trio remain on the team and only Sermon even scored a touchdown. Williams never played a game.

Now with Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey the undisputed focal point of the offense, there is seemingly little need for the 49ers to take a running back. However, McCaffrey's backup Elijah Mitchell is a free agent next offseason, giving head coach Kyle Shanahan a clear opportunity to indulge in one of his favorite draft traditions and add to the backfield.

But this year he and the Niners have the opportunity to be smarter about it. They can draft a running back without drafting a running back.

How exactly do you do that? By selecting a safety who just happens to be a dynamic force at the running back position. Enter Sione Vaki.

A different type of dual threat

The 49ers held a top-30 visit with Utah safety Vaki, who comes into the league having shown the ability to produce on both sides of the ball.

As a safety, last season he had 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. He added two pass breakups and a forced fumble. As a running back, Vaki had 317 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while he also caught 11 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. In total, he had 520 scrimmage yards at an average of 9.8 yards per touch.

Vaki, however, has made it clear which position he would prefer to play at the next level.

Speaking to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Vaki said:

"Picking off a quarterback, scoring a pick-six touchdown, those things bring more joy to me than scoring a touchdown as a running back. I love playing safety. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win at the end of the day. I pride myself on availability and reliability. I’ll make sure I’m available for whatever the coaching staff needs me to do."

It's helpful that Vaki is willing to embrace a dual role, because it's likely the 49ers would want to make the most of his two-way upside, especially since his tape points to him being more successful at running back than at safety.

Specialising in the wrong position?

Vaki is a versatile safety who played all over the field. He operated in single-high, two-high, and split-field looks while also working in the slot and in the box. However, he possesses questionable instincts for the position. 

Though Vaki consistently plays with good eyes to the ball in zone coverage and can make plays from depth with a quick downhill trigger, he is too often easily manipulated by the quarterback's eyes.

He is at his best getting attacking downhill in the run game. Vaki boasts hugely impressive closing speed in pursuit and can deliver tone-setting plays against the run, yet his impact in this regard is hindered somewhat by inconsistency in his angles to the football and his tackling.

In essence, Vaki the safety is a player with the skill set to make an impact in coverage, against the run and as blitzer, but he is one in need of refinement and his most likely role on defense as a rookie is a rotational one that sees him given the freedom to attack the line of scrimmage.

As a running back, his path to consistent playing time looks a lot more obvious.