Georgia Safety Malaki Starks Declares for 2025 NFL Draft, Projected as Top Pick (ESPN Report)…
Georgia Safety Malaki Starks Declares for 2025 NFL Draft, Projected as Top Pick (ESPN Report)
ATHENS, Ga. – After two stellar seasons as a key piece of Georgia’s dominant defense, Malaki Starks has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The star safety, who played a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ defensive success, is widely projected to be a top pick, with many analysts ranking him as the best defensive back in the draft class.
A Star in the Making
Since stepping onto the field in Athens, Starks has been a game-changer. A former five-star recruit out of Jefferson, Georgia, he made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning Freshman All-SEC and All-American honors. His combination of elite speed, ball-hawking instincts, and hard-hitting ability quickly made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
By his sophomore year, Starks had established himself as one of the best safeties in college football, anchoring Georgia’s secondary with multiple interceptions, crucial pass breakups, and highlight-reel tackles. He played a pivotal role in Georgia’s push for another College Football Playoff appearance, proving himself as the heart of the Bulldogs’ defense.
NFL Draft Projections
With his declaration, Starks immediately enters the conversation as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has him ranked as the top safety on the board, with several mock drafts projecting him as a top-10 pick. Some analysts even suggest he could be the first defensive player taken.
“Malaki Starks is the total package,” Kiper said in a recent ESPN segment. “He has elite range, can cover like a corner, and hits like a linebacker. He’s going to be an immediate difference-maker for whichever team drafts him.”
What’s Next for Starks?
With the NFL Combine on the horizon, Starks will have the chance to further solidify his draft stock. Scouts are eager to see his 40-yard dash time, as his speed is one of his most impressive attributes. Teams in need of a defensive playmaker—such as the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots—are expected to show significant interest in him.
In a heartfelt social media post, Starks thanked the Georgia faithful, his coaches, and teammates for their support.
“Being a Georgia Bulldog has been the greatest blessing of my life,” he wrote. “I’ve grown so much as a player and as a man. I’ll always be a Dawg at heart, but I’m ready for the next challenge. Go Dawgs forever!”
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Malaki Starks is set to be one of the most talked-about prospects, with teams eager to secure the services of a player who could be a generational talent in the secondary.
