ESPN analysts name Malaki Starks their favorite pick in the entire draft, praising his potential and impact on defense.
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the football calendar, where teams make decisions that will shape their rosters for years to come. Every draft class has its share of highly-touted prospects, but every so often, a player emerges who surprises everyone by exceeding expectations and having a transformative impact on his team. For the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most talked-about players is Malaki Starks, a defensive back who garnered attention not only for his impressive skills but also for his potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
ESPN analysts, who closely followed the draft process, were quick to name Starks as their favorite pick in the entire draft. His name came up time and time again as analysts discussed the standout selections of the draft, with Starks being lauded for his versatility, work ethic, and ability to change the dynamic of a defense. This article will dive deep into why ESPN analysts singled out Starks as their top pick, examining his background, skills, and potential to make a major impact on whichever team selects him, as well as the broader significance of his selection in the context of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Who Is Malaki Starks?
Malaki Starks is a dynamic and highly versatile defensive back who played for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He quickly became one of the top defensive prospects in college football, known for his ability to make plays both as a safety and a cornerback. At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Starks has the ideal physical build for an NFL defensive back, combining size and speed with exceptional athleticism. His ability to cover ground quickly, read offenses, and contribute in both the passing and run games set him apart from other prospects.
Starks started his career at Georgia as a highly touted recruit and quickly lived up to the hype. Over the course of his college career, he demonstrated an innate understanding of the game, frequently making critical plays at pivotal moments. Whether it was intercepting passes, breaking up passes, or coming up with timely tackles in the open field, Starks proved to be a reliable and adaptable player on the back end of the defense.
What makes Starks particularly intriguing to NFL scouts and analysts is his versatility. While many college defenders are limited to specific roles, Starks has shown that he can play multiple positions in the secondary and thrive in a variety of defensive schemes. His ability to cover wide receivers, play against tight ends, or even step into the box and assist with run defense gives him the flexibility to be a valuable asset to any team in need of a versatile defensive back.
The ESPN Analysts’ Perspective on Malaki Starks
When ESPN analysts evaluated the 2025 NFL Draft class, one of the names that consistently came up in discussions was Malaki Starks. Throughout their coverage, analysts noted that Starks was one of the most complete defensive prospects in the draft and highlighted his ability to contribute immediately. While some players have a reputation for being raw or needing time to develop, Starks’ combination of college production and physical attributes made him a rare prospect who could potentially make an instant impact at the professional level.
Many of the analysts were quick to praise Starks for his versatility and the wide range of skills he brings to the table. Starks, who spent time at both safety and cornerback during his college career, is able to adapt to different roles within a defense. His football IQ and understanding of offensive schemes make him a natural fit in virtually any defensive system. Analysts also noted his ability to read quarterbacks, diagnose plays before they unfold, and react with lightning-fast instincts. His knack for being in the right place at the right time gave him an edge over other prospects who may be more limited in scope.
Additionally, Starks’ physical traits were a major selling point. Analysts were impressed with his combination of size, speed, and strength. His 6’1” frame allows him to match up with taller wide receivers, while his speed ensures that he can keep up with the fastest players in the league. Furthermore, Starks demonstrated an exceptional ability to read the game, often positioning himself in a way that allowed him to anticipate where the ball was going and make a play on it.
One of the key elements that ESPN analysts praised about Starks was his readiness for the NFL. Unlike some rookies who may need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game, Starks showed the poise and mental sharpness that could allow him to step into an NFL defense and contribute right away. Whether playing in a man-to-man coverage system or in a more zone-based defense, Starks demonstrated the ability to adapt his game to fit the needs of any defensive coordinator. His versatility was a major selling point, and many analysts viewed him as one of the safest and most reliable picks in the draft.
Why ESPN Analysts Consider Malaki Starks the Best Pick
So, what specifically led ESPN analysts to call Malaki Starks their favorite pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? Several factors contributed to their enthusiasm, including his combination of skills, his impressive college track record, and the increasing demand for versatile defensive backs in the NFL.
- Versatility and Football IQ: In today’s NFL, the demand for defensive backs who can play multiple roles has never been higher. With the increase in offensive schemes that utilize multiple receivers, tight ends, and running backs in the passing game, having a versatile defensive back is a valuable asset. Starks can line up at cornerback, safety, or even in the box, making him a unique weapon in a defensive coordinator’s arsenal. His ability to understand offensive concepts, cover ground quickly, and adjust to different situations made him a standout.
- Immediate Impact Potential: While many draft prospects take time to develop, Starks was viewed by analysts as a player who could contribute from day one. His high football IQ, ability to read offenses, and elite athleticism set him apart from others who may need additional time to adjust. Analysts believed that Starks would be ready to step into a starting role and contribute immediately to a team’s defense, which is a rare quality for a rookie.
- Proven Success at the College Level: Starks had an outstanding college career, particularly at Georgia, where he was a key player on a championship-winning defense. His ability to shine on one of the top defensive units in the country demonstrated his readiness for the NFL. During his college years, he showed his ability to cover wide receivers, disrupt passing lanes, and make big plays in crucial moments. His reputation as a top-tier prospect was well earned, and analysts felt that he was one of the most polished defensive players available.
- Physical Attributes: At 6’1″ and 210 pounds, Starks has the ideal size for a defensive back. His speed and agility make him a threat in both coverage and tackling situations. Analysts were impressed by his quick reaction times, ability to track the ball, and his strength when challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage. His size and athleticism gave him an edge over other defensive backs, especially in situations where strength and speed were necessary to match up with top-tier NFL receivers.
- Team Fit and Demand for Defensive Backs: Starks’ skills were not only seen as impressive on their own but also as a perfect fit for the evolving needs of NFL teams. As offenses continue to evolve, defenses are increasingly looking for defensive backs who can do it all—cover receivers, support in the run game, and adapt to different schemes. Starks’ versatility was something that appealed to teams in need of an all-around defensive back who could immediately contribute in multiple ways.
What This Means for Starks’ Future in the NFL
After being hailed as the best pick in the draft by ESPN analysts, the expectations for Malaki Starks are sky-high. His ability to perform at a high level as both a cornerback and safety, combined with his exceptional athleticism and football IQ, makes him a player to watch closely in the coming years.
The team that selects Starks will likely look to him as a cornerstone of their defense, a player capable of making game-changing plays and providing leadership in the secondary. Whether he lines up as a safety or cornerback, his ability to impact the game will be felt from day one.
Moreover, Starks’ versatility means he could potentially be used in various schemes, making him a critical piece of a team’s defensive puzzle. His ability to match up with a variety of offensive players—from wide receivers to tight ends to running backs—gives him a unique advantage. It also allows defensive coordinators to use him in a variety of ways, keeping offenses off balance and taking advantage of Starks’ skill set.
As Starks begins his journey in the NFL, there will be significant attention on his development, with analysts and fans alike eager to see how he adjusts to the professional level. The 2025 season will be a critical one for him, as he looks to live up to the hype and prove that the praise from ESPN analysts was well-deserved.
Malaki Starks’ selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. As ESPN analysts name him their favorite pick of the draft, it’s clear that Starks’ combination of physical talent, football IQ, and versatility make him one of the most promising defensive prospects in recent memory. The expectations surrounding him are immense, but if his college career is any indication, Starks is more than capable of living up to the hype.
Whether he’s covering wide receivers, providing support in the run game, or making plays in crucial moments, Starks has the potential to become a cornerstone of his future team’s defense. As the NFL continues to evolve, players like Starks, who can adapt to multiple roles and contribute in a variety of ways, will only become more valuable. With his talent, work ethic, and potential, Malaki Starks looks poised to make a lasting impact in the NFL for years to come.
