Here’s who is trending up, down and staying level after the Detroit Lions’ 24-23 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stock up: Running back Sione Vaki
Vaki’s arrow continues to point up after an even more impressive showing than his preseason debut. Anyone who took a look at his college tape, or has seen the way he’s been utilized in practice, knew it was only a matter of time before the rookie running back’s receiving ability would show up.
Beyond the four catches for 60 yards you’ll see on the box score, you have to understand how crisp Vaki’s route-running looked and how elusive he was in the open field. You aren’t wrong to think he looked like the second-coming of Theo Riddick when he hauled in an angle route down to the 5-yard line in the closing seconds of the second quarter.
Add in a quality special teams stop covering a punt and there’s growing reason to believe the Lions have unearthed a Day 3 draft diamond, even if it takes another year or two before he truly starts realizing his full potential.
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