The Detroit Lions kick off the first round of their organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday. The first of their three sessions, which will include non-live contact practices and drills, will give the coaching staff a proper chance to evaluate the rookies and newcomers.
Some of the veteran players will not participate in the OTAs, but the Lions should still get a clear idea about how the depth chart will look for next season. For certain players, it will potentially be a final chance to prove their worth to the organization and secure a role for the 2026 campaign.
One of those players will be running back Sione Vaki. The 24-year-old rusher is entering his third season in the league, but he has yet to make an impact since he was a fourth-round pick by the Lions.
Sione Vaki is running out of time to prove his worth to the Lions
There was plenty of intrigue in Vaki due to his versatility coming out of college. He had played safety and running back in Utah and was a big contributor in special teams, making him an interesting Day 3 flier for the Lions. So far, things have not worked out well for the former Ute.
GM Brad Holmes said earlier in the offseason that the team is still excited about Vaki and that they want to give him a chance as a runner. The front office's faith in Vaki is certainly exciting for his prospects, but one has to assume that he will be on a short leash. With how the RB room and the special team units are constructed in Detroit, it's hard to see how Vaki carves out a role for himself.
This is especially true since Jacob Saylors emerged as a key special team contributor last season. The former undrafted RB has emerged as an unlikely impact player in his first real opportunity in the NFL. He took over the kick return duties last season and ranked seventh in the NFL in yards per kickoff return with 27.2.
Considering that the Lions added Greg Dortch and drafted Kendrick Law, it's difficult to imagine Vaki having a role as the return man. Due to his special team role, Saylors has to be considered ahead of Vaki in the pecking order and the more likely name to be included in the 53-man roster.
Therefore, Vaki has to impress in the OTAs to earn snaps as a rusher. Isiah Pacheco will likely get all the rushing attempts when Jahmyr Gibbs isn't touching the ball, leaving few opportunities for Vaki.
Vaki has had his injury struggles so far in his career. When he was in line for an increased role in last year's training camp, he suffered a setback and missed some time. He can't afford to have a similar problem this time around. If he wants to stick around past the summer, Vaki not only has to stay healthy but also prove that he can make a difference.
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