2025 NFL Scouting Report: Malaki Starks

Prospect Summary:

Georgia has had a loaded defensive backfield, so it shows how talented Starks is that he won a starting spot as a freshman. In 2022, he recorded 69 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up. In 2023, Starks collected 52 tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defended. He was rock-steady for the Bulldogs and looked ready for the NFL. As a junior, Starks totaled 73 tackles, three passes defended, and an interception.

In pass coverage, Starks is a reliable deep centerfielder to provide good coverage downfield. Starks is an instinctive defender and helps his defense by preventing big plays deep downfield. Starks doesn’t take false steps, reads routes well, and covers up the receivers that come into his area. He is very good in zone coverage to react to the offense and break over to defend receivers he is responsible for. With a quick burst, Starks eats up ground with the speed to close on receivers. Starks times his reach well to break up passes and shows respectable ball skills for a safety. With his quickness and athleticism, Starks can play some slot corner and cover receivers in man coverage. Starks really likes to cover and is natural in coverage as a free safety. He will be an asset to his pro team for preventing big plays over the top.

Starks is not a liability as a run defender, but he is not elite in this regard. He is a quality tackler, but is not a physical force that is an intimadtor in the middle of the field. At the same time, Starks is a willing tackler who comes downhill to make stops in the ground game and is adept to defend the perimeter screen game. Starks looks more comfortable in coverage, and more natural playing deep over being the eighth man in the box.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Starks could go as high as the middle of the first round and is likely to get selected in the back half of the first round. If he slips to the second round he should not have a long wait before coming off the board.