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49ers request pre-draft visit with Utah safety Sione Vaki, express interest in Illinois linebacker
Mar 10, 2024 at 11:12 AM
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According to Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, the San Francisco 49ers have requested an official pre-draft visit with former Utah safety Sione Vaki (6-0, 208). The defender appeared in 12 games as a junior last season, registering 51 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss, two sacks, an interception, and two passes defensed, per
Sports Reference. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023.
In coverage, Vaki allowed 20 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown on 29 targets with the Utes last season, per Pro Football Focus. A California native, he played football at Liberty High School in Brentwood.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Vaki posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds, a vertical jump of 39.5 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, five inches, and 20 reps in the bench press. His other measurements include an arm length of 29 1/8 inches and hands measuring 8 5/8 inches.
"Gamer who does whatever is necessary to help his team win," Lance Zierlein wrote in the player's
NFL.com scouting report. "Vaki carries a thick frame with good upper-body power and heavy hands. He took on carries [as a running back] to help his team when it was stung by injuries, but he's not an NFL running back. He's a conscientious tackler who is careful to center up and launch his attack only when he's in realistic striking position."
According to Tony Pauline, the 49ers have expressed interest in Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes (6-1, 230), a four-year starter. The defender recorded 25 tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack through 10 games with the Fighting Illini in 2023.
During his pro day, Barnes ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds.
"He will participate in the Indianapolis Colts local visit and is drawing strong interest from the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, Houston Texans and New England Patriots," wrote Pauline.
Click here to view our meeting tracker, which compiles all the reported formal and informal meetings between San Francisco and the players hoping to be part of the NFL's latest rookie class.
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