Malaki Starks of Georgia Football Places in the Top 15 of the Most Recent NFL Mock Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, one player who has been making waves and garnering attention is Malaki Starks, the standout safety from the University of Georgia. Starks, who has been a key figure in Georgia’s defense for the past few seasons, has seen his stock rise significantly throughout his collegiate career. Most recently, Starks has placed in the top 15 of the latest NFL mock drafts, further solidifying his status as one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft class.
This article will dive into the rise of Malaki Starks as a prospect, the key traits that make him an attractive option for NFL teams, and what his potential landing spots could be in the first round of the NFL Draft. We will also look back at his journey through Georgia football, analyzing his impact on the Bulldogs’ defense and his potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.
The Rise of Malaki Starks
Malaki Starks’ journey to becoming a top NFL draft prospect has been a steady climb, with each season highlighting his growth as both a player and a leader on Georgia’s defense. A native of Jefferson, Georgia, Starks was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, ranked among the top safeties in the country. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism caught the attention of college scouts, and Georgia won the race to secure his commitment.
Starks made an immediate impact in his freshman season at Georgia in 2022, earning significant playing time as part of the Bulldogs’ secondary. His ability to cover ground quickly, read offenses, and make big plays was evident from the start. By his sophomore season in 2023, Starks had become a central figure in Georgia’s defensive unit, helping lead them to another national championship and further enhancing his reputation as one of the top young talents in college football.
In 2024, Starks solidified his status as one of the best safeties in the country, delivering strong performances against some of the toughest competition in the SEC. His combination of physicality, intelligence, and versatility made him a centerpiece of Georgia’s defense, earning him All-SEC honors and praise from coaches and analysts alike. His ability to excel in both pass coverage and run support has been key to Georgia’s defensive success, and it has elevated his draft stock heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Malaki Starks’ Skillset: A Complete Safety
What sets Malaki Starks apart from other top defensive prospects is his well-rounded skill set and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Starks is a versatile safety who can line up in a variety of positions, from deep coverage to the box, and perform well in both roles. His ability to read offenses and make adjustments on the fly allows him to be effective in multiple defensive schemes, which is a highly desirable trait for NFL teams.
Speed and Athleticism
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Starks has the ideal size for an NFL safety. However, it’s his speed and athleticism that truly make him stand out. He has the burst to cover ground quickly, whether it’s tracking a deep ball or coming up to stop a running back in the open field. His quickness allows him to recover from mistakes and make plays on balls that other safeties may not be able to reach.
Starks’ ability to play both the run and the pass sets him apart from many other top safety prospects. He is capable of lining up deep in coverage and using his speed to stay with fast receivers, but he also has the physicality to step up and support the run game when needed. This versatility gives him the ability to fit into a variety of defensive schemes, making him an attractive option for teams looking for a safety who can do it all.
Football IQ and Awareness
One of the most impressive aspects of Starks’ game is his football IQ. He has a keen understanding of offensive and defensive schemes, allowing him to anticipate plays before they unfold. His ability to read quarterbacks and recognize offensive tendencies allows him to be in the right place at the right time, often making key interceptions or pass breakups in critical moments.
This high level of awareness is particularly valuable in coverage, where Starks can read the quarterback’s eyes and position himself to make plays on the ball. His knowledge of the game and ability to diagnose plays quickly makes him a key asset in both zone and man-to-man coverage, allowing him to excel in a variety of defensive schemes.
Physicality and Tackling Ability
While Starks’ speed and coverage skills make him a standout in the passing game, his physicality and tackling ability are equally impressive. He isn’t afraid to step up and take on blockers or running backs in the open field, showing no hesitation when it comes to making tough tackles. His ability to come downhill and deliver punishing hits makes him an asset in stopping the run and limiting yards after the catch.
This physicality is also evident in his ability to support the run from the safety position. He isn’t just a passive participant in the run defense; he actively seeks out opportunities to step into the box and make plays. His tackling technique is strong, and he wraps up well to prevent missed tackles, which is a key component of his overall defensive skill set.
Leadership and Mental Toughness
Another aspect of Starks’ game that has caught the attention of NFL scouts is his leadership and mental toughness. As a key player on Georgia’s defense, Starks has consistently been praised for his ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates. His high football IQ, combined with his work ethic and competitive spirit, has made him a leader on and off the field.
Starks has faced significant pressure throughout his career at Georgia, from competing in the SEC to playing in high-stakes games like the national championship. Despite this, he has shown the ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver when it matters most. This mental toughness will be crucial as he transitions to the NFL, where the stakes are even higher and the competition is fierce.
Malaki Starks in the NFL: Potential Landing Spots
As the NFL Draft draws closer, Starks is widely considered one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 class. His ability to contribute immediately in both pass coverage and run defense makes him an ideal candidate for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield. There are several teams in need of a safety like Starks, and his placement in the top 15 of the latest NFL mock drafts reflects the widespread belief that he will make an immediate impact at the next level.
Top 15 Picks for Malaki Starks
Several teams picking in the top 15 of the draft are likely to consider Starks as a potential target, depending on their needs. Some of the most notable teams that could be a good fit for Starks include:
- Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 7): The Eagles have built one of the most well-rounded defenses in the NFL, but they could use an upgrade at the safety position. Starks’ versatility and ability to play both deep and in the box could help take the Eagles’ defense to the next level, allowing them to match up better against high-powered offenses.
- Chicago Bears (Pick 5): The Bears are in the midst of a rebuilding process and could use help on both sides of the ball. With an offense on the rise, upgrading the defense is a priority, and Starks would provide a dynamic presence in their secondary. His ability to cover both the pass and the run would make him an immediate starter.
- Detroit Lions (Pick 9): The Lions’ defense has shown signs of improvement, but they still need help in the secondary. Starks’ combination of athleticism and football IQ would fit perfectly into their defense, giving them a young, dynamic safety who can make plays all over the field.
- Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 13): The Raiders have struggled defensively in recent years, and Starks could be a game-changer in their secondary. His leadership and physicality would help shore up their defense and provide an immediate upgrade at safety.
- Atlanta Falcons (Pick 10): As a Georgia native, Starks could be a perfect fit for the Falcons, who are in need of a safety who can contribute in multiple areas. Starks’ ability to step up in the box and make plays in coverage would make him a valuable addition to their defense.
What to Expect from Malaki Starks in the NFL
As Malaki Starks prepares for the NFL, his unique blend of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary—whether it’s deep coverage or supporting the run—gives NFL teams flexibility in how they use him. His impact could be immediate, as he is capable of starting as a rookie and making a significant contribution to whichever team selects him.
As a player with a high ceiling and the ability to contribute in a variety of ways, Starks has the potential to be one of the top safeties in the NFL for years to come. Whether he’s playing in pass coverage, stopping the run, or leading his defense on and off the field, Starks is poised to make a major impact at the next level.
