New York Jets Draft Profile: Utah Safety Provides Secondary Depth?

The New York Jets may look to add depth to their secondary by selecting Utah safety Sione Vaki in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Utes receiver Sione Vaki (28) / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of the new NFL year fast approaching, the New York Jets may find themselves in need of a versatile presence in their defensive backfield — primarily at safety. 

While Gang Green has been stockpiling talent at several positions of need this offseason, they remain relatively thin at the back of their secondary. Should the team choose to upgrade their depth in the mid-rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Jets may wish to keep an eye on Utah’s Sione Vaki. 

Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes safety Sione Vaki (28) / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Vaki is admittedly a work-in-progress at the position. However, his strength and tackling abilities make him worth at least a mid-round investment. Last season, he totaled 50 tackles, an interception and two passes defended for Utah. Vaki was a solid free safety for the Utes, exhibiting a strong instinct for finding the football. He also has previous experience carrying the football as a third-down option on offense, as well as on special teams. As a defensive back, the Jets would likely utilize him as either a single-high defender or in the slot. In order to be a reliable third option at the position, he will need to develop as a centerfield defender.

Despite boasting one of the league’s top cornerback groups — headlined by two-time first-team All Pro Sauce Garner and D.J. Reed — the Jets safeties group struggled in pass defense last season.

With safeties Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis having left via free agency, New York will almost certainly address the position, either through the Draft or free agency. Though the Jets are widely expected to seek offensive help with the No. 10 overall selection, they may look to fill a position of need with a promising, young option either on Day 3. 

Third-year free safety Tony Adams, newly re-signed Chuck Clark and rookie defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse are the members of New York’s positional group signed for next season.