Running back Jahymr Gibbs was selected by the Detroit Lions with a first-round choice last season, adding some youth to the backfield. Another rookie back may soon follow Gibbs in assuming a significant role.
In an early forecast of Detroit’s final 53-man roster, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports suggested that rookie Sione Vaki might replace veteran Craig Reynolds. Payton predicted that the Lions will only carry three running backs, but Vaki’s adaptability might help him secure a slot.
One of the three running backs the Lions signed for the previous campaign was a fullback. The Lions use the same scheme this season, but without a fullback, according to Payton. Sione Vaki is perhaps more involved in this offense than is initially apparent. Because of his superior ability over Reynolds and Knight, he will be given precedence. The special teams capability in particular.
Novice Running Back Makes Money Accolades
Vaki was selected in the fourth round out of Utah and has received some early attention since joining the squad. Vaki demonstrated his abilities as a running back and special teams cover player during the team’s rookie minicamp in May, according to writer Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website, who described Vaki as looking “dominant.”
“It’s simple to understand why the Detroit Lions fell in love with fourth-round pick Sione Vaki’s game during the pre-draft process after watching him participate in the first open rookie minicamp practice on Friday,” Twentyman wrote.
Vaki had a unique journey to the NFL, starting his career primarily at Utah on special teams and as a safety before switching to running back in his last season. In addition to 11 receptions for 203 yards and three receiving scores, he finished the season with 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions, according to general manager Brad Holmes, first targeted Vaki as a defensive back but were pleased with how easily he transitioned to a running back position.
According to SI.com, Holmes remarked, “I first saw him when he had first made the switch when they got kind of short at running back there at Utah.” They simply asked him to step in. However, we were more interested in him as a safety, even though he runs with such ease. I said to myself, “Wait, where did he get these backyard instincts of just running the ball and making these plays?” He’s not even majoring in it, yet he possesses these instincts that are (more) natural (than) we believed.
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Reynolds played a career-high 211 special teams snaps last season, making him a vital member of the Lions’ special teams unit. In addition, he gained 179 yards through 41 rushes, including one score.
This offseason, Reynolds was tendered by the Lions as an exclusive rights free agent. Erik Schlitt of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit pointed out that Reynolds might have a solid roster position going into training camp as a result of the trade.
Because he is unable to negotiate with other clubs, Reynolds’ only other choice is to sit out the NFL season, which Schlitt said is nearly a guarantee in the event that he signs an exclusive rights tender. “Unless the Lions choose to offer him a contract extension, his contract will likely be a one-year, league-minimum deal ($985,000 for his level of NFL experience).”
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