Georgia safety Malaki Starks has formally announced his entry into.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks has formally announced his entry into the 2025 NFL. Georgia Bulldogs star safety Malaki Starks has officially entered the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing to a close an impressive college career that began in 2022. Starks made headlines in his first game as a true freshman when he intercepted Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. That season, he was a key player in Georgia’s national championship run, starting all but one game and finishing with 68 tackles—third on the team—alongside a team-best seven pass breakups.
During his time in Athens, Starks proved to be both reliable and consistent, never missing a single game over three seasons. He accumulated 197 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 23 pass breakups. His leadership off the field was just as impactful, especially to younger teammates like freshman KJ Bolden, who referred to Starks as a mentor and role model.
Starks’ size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), athleticism, and versatility have made him a favorite among NFL scouts. He’s praised for his effectiveness in run support, quick decision-making, and ability to make plays on the ball. Bleacher Report highlighted his skills in zone coverage, sound tackling, and knack for disrupting passes. That said, scouts have also noted areas where he can improve, particularly when matched against quicker wide receivers.
Though his early years were marked by standout performances, Starks saw a statistical decline in 2024. He finished the season with only one interception and two pass breakups, and he gave up 453 receiving yards—the highest total allowed by any safety. Some experts believe this was due in part to being placed in more high-risk roles within Georgia’s defensive scheme, which may have exposed certain weaknesses.
Even with those concerns, Starks remains one of the top prospects at his position heading into the 2025 draft. Analysts at Pro Football Focus continue to rank him among the elite safety options, citing his past contributions to Georgia’s championship success and his top-tier run defense. As NFL teams prepare for the draft, Starks is widely projected as a first-round selection with the tools and experience to immediately strengthen a pro defense.
