Malaki Starks NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Georgia S

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 205

POSITIVES

— Strong run defender who quickly triggers downhill, running the alley with speed and physicality.

— Uses hands well to shock and disengage from blockers. Looks to make plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

— Strong tackler who drives his feet through contact.

— Outstanding athlete with great ball skills. He attacks the ball in the air with strong hands to catch the ball away from his body.

— He has quick feet to get in and out of breaks, and he shows a very good burst when driving on the ball.

— Great awareness in his zone drops to get in throwing lanes, as well as keeping proper leverage on his threats.

NEGATIVES

— Can be a step slow to sink his hips at times when pressing versus faster receivers, creating separation.

NOTES

— Born Nov 13, 2003

— 5-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2023 Consensus All-American; 2023 First-Team All-SEC

— 2022 CFP National Champion

OVERALL

Malaki Starks is a highly athletic and instinctive safety prospect from Georgia, standing at 6'1" and weighing 205 pounds. A consensus All-American with a strong track record in one of the nation's top defenses, Starks is widely regarded as one of the top safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of speed, physicality, and football intelligence makes him a versatile asset capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.

In coverage, Starks displays outstanding athleticism and ball skills. His quick feet allow him to transition smoothly in and out of breaks, while his burst enables him to close gaps and drive on the ball effectively. Starks excels in zone coverage, where his awareness and ability to read the quarterback allow him to position himself well in throwing lanes and maintain proper leverage on receivers. His hands are a significant asset, as he consistently demonstrates the ability to catch the ball away from his body, making him a true ball hawk in the secondary. However, when pressed against faster receivers, Starks can occasionally be a step slow in sinking his hips, leading to separation. While this is a minor concern, it's an area where further refinement could make him even more effective in man coverage.

Starks is a force in run support, showcasing quick trigger ability and physicality when coming downhill. He runs the alley with speed, effectively using his hands to shock and disengage from blockers, allowing him to make plays near or behind the line of scrimmage. Starks is a reliable tackler who drives his feet through contact, ensuring that ballcarriers are brought down with authority. His ability to engage blockers and maintain leverage makes him a valuable asset in defending the run, particularly in short-yardage situations where his toughness and technique shine.

Malaki Starks projects as a first-round pick with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combination of athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support. While he may need to refine his technique against faster receivers, Starks' overall skill set and football IQ give him a high ceiling as a defensive playmaker. With the ability to contribute from day one, Starks is poised to become a key player in any NFL secondary, offering the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety.

GRADE: 8.9 (Impact Player — 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 4

POSITION RANK: S1

PRO COMPARISON: Jessie Bates III

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.