National defensive back Sione Vaki of Utah (34)
The 2024 draft class of the Detroit Lions has garnered widespread acclaim on a national level. General manager Brad Holmes’ acquisition of six players has been lauded by pundits throughout the league, particularly for the strategic decision to bolster the team’s cornerback position with two formidable selections. However, scrutiny has arisen regarding the maneuvers executed on the draft’s third day.
Of particular contention is the choice to trade up for Giovanni Manu and Sione Vaki during the fourth round. Manu, a product of Canadian collegiate football, and Vaki, expected to transition to a running back role after primarily playing safety in college, have raised questions among observers.
Peter Bukowski, host of “Locked on Packers” on the Locked On Podcast Network, expressed his critique of the Lions’ draft class on the latest episode of “Locked On Lions” podcast. While acknowledging the merit of selections like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, Bukowski humorously questioned the rationale behind trading up for Manu and Vaki.
Bukowski remarked, “They traded future draft capital for a Canadian. I found that decision quite perplexing. Additionally, they drafted Sione Vaki, originally a safety from Utah, but he was announced as a running back. If they indeed intend to deploy him in that role, it would be quite amusing.”
The Lions’ draft strategy diverges from conventional norms, prioritizing the acquisition of the best available players over adhering strictly to positional value. This approach has led to unexpected selections, reminiscent of last year’s choices of Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell in the first round.
While this year’s early draft moves were less startling compared to previous years, the late-round selections elicited criticism from the Packers podcast host.
Bukowski commented, “This draft aligns more with what I would anticipate from a team in the Lions’ situation, as opposed to the unconventional choices of previous years. Although the selection of Manu was peculiar, Brad Holmes seems to have retained a bit of that unconventional flair. Overall, the Lions have addressed a significant need at cornerback, markedly improving their roster at that position.”
