Malaki Starks of Georgia Football Leaves the First Round of the Most Recent Mock Draft

Malaki Starks of Georgia Football Leaves the First Round of the Most Recent Mock Draft: An In-Depth Analysis

The 2025 NFL Draft is already stirring up significant excitement, with talent from powerhouse college programs like the University of Georgia commanding attention. Among these highly-touted prospects, Malaki Starks, a standout safety for the Georgia Bulldogs, has become a name to watch as we approach draft season. Starks, known for his versatility, athleticism, and football IQ, has been projected as one of the top defensive players in the nation, and his stock has been rising in mock drafts across the country.

However, in the most recent mock draft, Starks surprisingly left the first round. While this may seem like a setback to some, it’s important to contextualize why this shift happened and what it means for Starks’ future in the NFL. To fully understand his draft positioning, we must analyze his career at Georgia, the current state of the draft class, and how his skills align with NFL trends.

Malaki Starks: Background and College Career

Malaki Starks has been a standout player since his arrival at Georgia, one of the most prestigious programs in college football. A native of Jefferson, Georgia, Starks was a five-star recruit and a highly sought-after prospect. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him an immediate impact player for Georgia. By the time he entered his sophomore season, Starks had already established himself as one of the most dynamic safeties in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

At Georgia, Starks was known for his ability to cover a wide range of responsibilities in the secondary. Whether playing as a deep safety, in the box against the run, or covering receivers in the passing game, Starks showcased rare versatility. His instincts on the field, combined with his remarkable ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate plays, made him a major asset to Georgia’s defense.

In his time with the Bulldogs, Starks helped lead the team to multiple key victories, including a national championship appearance. His production continued to climb, particularly during his sophomore season, where he emerged as one of the top safeties in college football. His ability to make game-changing plays—from key interceptions to stopping the run—made him a key figure in Georgia’s defense.

Why Malaki Starks Left the First Round in Mock Drafts

Mock drafts are highly fluid and often change based on a variety of factors. Starks’ departure from the first round in the latest mock draft may be attributed to several important reasons, which involve a combination of positional value, draft depth, and the emergence of other highly-ranked prospects.

1. Positional Value in the NFL Draft

One of the most significant factors influencing Starks’ fall out of the first round is the value of his position. While safety is undeniably important in today’s NFL, it often does not carry the same weight as positions like quarterback, wide receiver, or edge rusher. These positions are typically prioritized in the early rounds due to their direct impact on a team’s ability to win games.

Historically, safeties have tended to be drafted later in the first round or in the early second round, unless they possess transcendent talent. While Starks is undoubtedly a talented player, the sheer depth at certain positions—such as wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive line—has contributed to the reshuffling of draft boards. Teams are often willing to wait until later rounds to pick up safeties, knowing that they can still find talented players without committing a top-tier pick.

Additionally, there is the growing trend of teams placing more value on versatility and depth in defensive backfields rather than selecting safeties with the same frequency as other elite positions. This trend has led to the perception that top-tier safeties like Starks may be better suited to the early second round than the first.

2. Draft Class Depth and Competition

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent years. Several top-tier prospects at key positions—quarterbacks, edge rushers, and wide receivers—are generating significant buzz and could push down other players like Starks. The 2025 class features a talented group of quarterbacks, including potential number-one overall pick candidates, which is likely to push down top defensive players. When teams are looking to fill needs with impact players, many will gravitate toward more pressing areas like quarterback and pass rusher, further bumping Starks out of the first round.

Moreover, Starks is not the only safety generating attention. Other top defensive backs, such as defensive backs from other SEC schools or even from other conferences, have also impressed scouts with their performances. This competition for top spots in the draft leads to greater pressure on any one prospect to stand out. While Starks is undeniably talented, there may be other safeties with similar attributes but potentially better coverage skills or more impressive combine performances.

3. Combine and Pro Day Performance

As with many other players, Starks’ performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day will play a significant role in determining his final draft position. Though he’s already an elite talent on tape, a strong showing at the combine could help him regain momentum and boost his draft stock. Conversely, if he struggles in certain athletic tests (such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, or three-cone drill), it could lead to further doubts about his ability to transition to the next level.

Starks’ physical tools are undeniable, but his ability to translate those skills into measurable performance metrics will be a key factor in how he’s evaluated by NFL teams. If he performs at a high level and exceeds expectations, it’s possible that he could work his way back into first-round consideration.

4. Team Needs and Fit

NFL teams are strategic in their selections, and each team has unique needs and priorities that influence their draft decisions. In the case of Starks, while he is an exceptional talent, the teams picking in the latter portion of the first round may not necessarily be in the market for a safety. Teams that are prioritizing rebuilding around a quarterback, adding pass rushers, or bolstering offensive weaponry may pass on Starks in favor of other players.

For example, teams that are already solid in their secondary might see Starks as a luxury pick, whereas a team with a glaring need at quarterback or offensive tackle could pass on Starks despite his high upside. The fit within a team’s system can be just as important as a player’s talent, and as such, this could impact where Starks lands in the draft.

What’s Next for Starks: A Strong Future Ahead

Although Starks may have fallen out of the first round in the most recent mock draft, his talent and potential remain undeniable. Even if he lands in the early second round, there are plenty of teams looking for a dynamic safety with the ability to contribute immediately. His skill set, including his ability to read the game, versatility, and ball-hawking instincts, makes him a perfect fit for the evolving needs of NFL defenses.

Ultimately, Starks is a player who can thrive at the next level. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—from stopping the run to making key interceptions—will make him an attractive option for NFL teams. While his draft position might shift over the next several months, Starks’ future in the league is very promising, and many expect him to have a long, successful career.