The top three clubs in the 2025 NFL Draft for Georgia Bulldogs star Malaki Starks

Malaki Starks: Top Three NFL Draft Destinations in 2025

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name that has been consistently mentioned among top prospects is Malaki Starks, the star safety from the University of Georgia. Known for his blend of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility, Starks has the potential to be one of the top selections in the upcoming draft. This article will explore the top three NFL teams that could be the perfect fit for Starks, taking into account his skills, their team needs, and how he might contribute at the next level.

Malaki Starks: A Quick Overview

Before diving into potential landing spots for Starks, it’s important to understand what makes him such a coveted prospect. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 200 pounds, Starks has the size and build to compete at the highest level. He’s an explosive athlete with excellent speed, agility, and the ability to cover ground quickly — traits that make him an ideal safety in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

At Georgia, Starks showed tremendous range and ball skills, especially in coverage, where he excelled in both deep and short zones. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and his quick reactions make him a playmaker in the secondary. Additionally, Starks’ leadership on and off the field, his work ethic, and his maturity make him a standout prospect in a class full of talented athletes.

Now, let’s take a closer look at three teams that could be ideal landing spots for Starks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Chicago Bears: A Rebuilding Defense

The Chicago Bears have been in a rebuild mode for several years now, and their defense, once known as a dominant unit, has struggled to regain its former glory. With the addition of DJ Moore and other offensive upgrades, the Bears are making strides to balance out their roster. However, their defense still needs a significant infusion of talent, especially in the secondary.

Starks would be an excellent fit for the Bears as they work to shore up their defense. Eddie Jackson, a talented safety for the Bears, has had a solid career but is starting to show signs of aging and inconsistency. Adding Starks would not only bring in a dynamic playmaker but also a young leader who could complement Jackson and provide a fresh, energetic presence in the defensive backfield.

The Bears have shown a commitment to improving their defense in recent years, but they still lack a true centerpiece in their secondary. With Starks’ ability to play both safety positions and his versatility in coverage, he could instantly become a key player for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, whose system values safeties who can make plays both in coverage and in run support. Starks’ range and intelligence would allow him to contribute immediately, making him a seamless fit into the Bears’ evolving defense.

2. Dallas Cowboys: A Championship-Caliber Team in Need of Defensive Depth

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the past decade, thanks in large part to their top-tier defense. With star players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys have one of the most fearsome defensive units in the league. However, one area that could use some improvement is the safety position, where both Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are solid players but may not be the long-term answers.

Starks would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defense, which thrives on versatility and athleticism. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary — from covering deep routes to stepping into the box against the run — aligns perfectly with what defensive coordinator Dan Quinn values. Quinn, known for his creative defensive schemes, has used Parsons as a weapon in a variety of roles, and Starks could be similarly used in multiple ways to confuse opposing offenses.

Additionally, Starks’ leadership and football IQ would be an asset in the Cowboys’ locker room. Dallas has a championship-caliber team, and adding a player like Starks to the defense would help solidify the secondary and give the Cowboys a playmaking safety who can contribute both immediately and in the long term.

Starks would complement the other high-profile players on the defense and could potentially form one of the most dangerous secondary units in the NFL alongside Diggs and Hooker. His skills in both pass coverage and run support would allow him to be an integral part of a defense that prides itself on being unpredictable and disruptive.

3. Las Vegas Raiders: A Team in Need of Defensive Identity

The Las Vegas Raiders have been in a rebuilding phase for the last several years, and their defense has been one of the primary areas of concern. While their offense has shown flashes of brilliance, the defense has been inconsistent, often giving up big plays and struggling to stop the run. To become a true contender in the AFC, the Raiders need to focus on building a strong defensive unit, and a key piece to that puzzle could be a safety like Starks.

With Tre’von Moehrig already manning one of the safety positions, adding another dynamic safety to the mix would give the Raiders a formidable secondary. Starks could play next to Moehrig, forming a young and talented safety duo that could be the foundation of the Raiders’ defense for years to come.

What makes Starks such a great fit for the Raiders is his ability to be a game-changer. Whether it’s tracking down a ball carrier on a long run or stepping up to create a turnover in crucial moments, Starks has the potential to be a playmaking safety who can completely shift the momentum of a game. He’s the kind of player who could thrive in Patrick Graham’s defense, which values versatility and the ability to cover a lot of ground.

The Raiders are looking to become a true contender in the AFC West, a division that is consistently competitive. Having a safety who can make an impact both in coverage and against the run would go a long way in giving the Raiders a defensive identity. Starks’ leadership qualities and ability to read offenses would make him an instant contributor, and his presence in the backfield would allow the Raiders to better compete against high-powered offenses in the league.