Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks is hands down the top safety entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Although his overall Pro Football Focus grade dropped from 81.1 in 2023 to 78.3 in 2024, Starks is a high IQ defender who is outstanding in run defense and has a nice combination of speed and physicality to be impactful in pass coverage. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he has the quickness and a 4.45 40 time that makes him a defensive secondary gem.
In 2024 with Georgia, Starks racked up 52 solo tackles with 1 interception and 3 passes defensed showcasing his ability to play down in the box against the run and his versatility in playing zone coverage.
NFL teams looking for a versatile secondary defender with leadership ability will have Starks at the top of their NFL Draft board.
2025 NFL Draft: Malaki Starks is a leader in the defensive backfield
In ranking the top prospect entering the 2025 NFL Draft, NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah does have Starks ranked No. 33 noting his versatility while also highlighting Starks didn’t make has many big plays as he made in 2023. A part of that was due to him splitting his time playing different positions as both a safety and nickelback.
Jeremiah writes:
“To see him at his best, watch him carry a vertical route, stay in phase and high-point a deep ball against Clemson. From off coverage, he’s aggressive to squat on routes, and he’s had wins and losses because of it. He was caught flat-footed a few times in the games I studied. In the deep half, he takes good angles in pursuit and is a firm tackler in space. Sources at Georgia speak very highly of his leadership and character. Overall, Starks didn’t make as many plays this past season as he did in 2023, but he has the versatility to move around the field and provide a lot of value.”
3 interesting NFL fits for Malaki Starks
A great safety who can play impactful against the run and hold it down in coverage, Starks will be high on the board for NFL teams in need for a secondary leader. With his ability as a physical safety who can play nickelback, Starks will get plenty of snaps Day 1 in the NFL if he’s not a starter. Here are 3 teams who are primed to select Starks in 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins: Down in South Beach, the Dolphins will need to set the wheels in motion to replace Jevon Holland. As a do everything safety, Starks is the perfect piece to build around for a team that will need to re-tool and rebuild their safety room.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts will be selecting in the sweet spot of the 2025 NFL Draft when it comes to defensive secondary players. The Colts could go corner or safety at No. 14. They could also go tight end if Penn State’s Tyler Warren is available. Starks makes most sense for the Colts because he is a safety could do everything. His size and athleticism as well as his high-level tackling should make him very attractive to the Colts.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons need to infuse youth throughout their defense and do so with young players who can impact the game. If not edge rusher, the Falcons could go with the versatility of Starks as a safety and player who can play nickelback and in the slot. Adding him to the secondary that is already held down by A.J. Terrell would secure the defensive backfield. Plus, he played his college football at Georgia!