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Malaki Starks | S | Georgia

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 205 lbs
Draft Projection: Mid 1st
Notable Accomplishment: Consensus 1st Team All-American (2023)

Pros: There is a lot to like about Starks. He is listed at 6’1″ but covers ground as if he is even longer, running with long strides and covering a lot of ground in the secondary. His diagnostic skills are top-notch, as he sniffs out the run as anyone when coming downhill. One of the most exciting parts of Starks’ game is his ability to create splash plays. He possesses tremendous ball skills, but it is truly his athleticism and instincts that allow him to break on balls and generate the turnovers he has created at Georgia. Do not let his athleticism take attention away from his discipline, however. He takes smart tackling angles and closes on defenders quickly, minimizing the yards after catch by a receiver or running back in the open field. Starks also does a great job of disengaging from blocks as well, making him a well-rounded run defender. If he tests as well as expected athletically, he checks all the boxes of a top 10 prospect.

Cons: We did not see as many splash plays from Starks in 2024, and I cannot give an exact explanation as to why. He was not a liability in coverage, nor was he missing a large number of tackles. I do not consider his dip in statistical production a major red flag, but I was hoping to see him develop as a blitzer this season, and that did not happen. If he could pose a threat as a blitzer when lining up in the slot, his value would increase even more. He also suffers from a little tightness in the hips, especially when he plays near the line in press coverage and is forced to turn and mirror a receiver one-on-one.

Overview: With elite athleticism, footwork, and instincts, Starks has the makings of an elite safety in the NFL. He can play either up high or down low, and he can defend both the run and pass at high levels. It is hard to tell how high safeties will go, but when taking positional value out of the equation, he is one of the 10-12 best players in this class.

NFL Comparison: Justin Simmons