Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with our spotlight on Malaki Starks. Get the breakdown on their strengths and weaknesses in our scouting report, understand their potential with our draft profile, and see where experts predict they’ll land.
Malaki Starks’ NFL Draft Scouting Report
Malaki Starks has many of the tools needed to be a high-level starter at the NFL level. He’s a well-built safety with a large catch radius and the versatility to play across the secondary. His intelligence allows him to thrive in various alignments, and he’s battle-tested as a three-year starter for a blue-blood program.
In coverage, Starks has the athleticism to cover a considerable amount of space and the processing skills to act quickly upon his reads. He aims to disrupt plays when the ball is thrown in his direction, and he can crowd WRs in nickel as well.
As a solid tackler to add onto his abilities in coverage, Starks should project well as a true starting safety with nickel versatility. Cutting down on moments of inconsistency in blind spot IQ and block take-on will be key in unlocking his full potential.
Looking for more analysis on prospects? Here’s our safety scouting reports for the 2025 NFL Draft and all other positions.
Malaki Starks’ Latest NFL Draft Projection
PFSN’s Ian Cummings projected Starks to be drafted 27th in his most recent 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Cummings said, “The Baltimore Ravens are in a position to compete again next year, but their secondary still needs maintenance heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Were he to fall to the 27th pick, Malaki Starks feels like an exceptional fit on the back end alongside Kyle Hamilton.
“At 6’0″, almost 200 pounds, with near-32″ arms, Starks brings an NFL-ready frame and uncanny coverage mobility for his size. His all-encompassing swivel and hinge fluidity is rivaled only by his twitch and physicality, and he can be a safety blanket in space.”
Ready to have some fun? Jump into our free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and follow along during the NFL Draft. The simulator will be updated in real-time, allowing you to finish the rest of the draft based on the results.
Malaki Starks’ NFL Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Position: Safety
- School: Georgia
- Hand: 948
- Arm: 3158
- Wing: 7838
Where Does Malaki Starks Rank Among 2025’s Safety Prospects?
Here are the top 10 safety rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN Analyst Ian Cummings:
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
4. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
5. Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
6. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
7. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
8. R.J. Mickens, Clemson
9. Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
10. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Malaki Starks’ 2024 campaign wasn’t quite as prolific as his two prior, and his NFL Combine testing performance wasn’t elite. But fatigue won’t set in for Starks here. He’s still the top safety on PFSN’s board, a top prospect in the class, and a potential blue-chip defender.
At 6’1″ and a playing weight of over 200 pounds, with near-32″ arms, Starks has the optimal size profile, and with it, he brings truly uncommon coverage mobility. His ability to sink, redirect, and manage space while pedaling is what underpins his profile.
Beyond that special coverage mobility, Starks has impressive range and vision from two-high and single-high. He’s a playmaker roaming to track passes, he’s a capable nickel defender with fast feet, fluidity, and physicality, and he’s a dynamic enforcer in support.
Want more rankings? Here’s our NFL Draft Big Board for this year’s draft class. You can also make your own with the PFSN Big Board Builder.
Malaki Starks’ College Stats
Career:
- Solo Tackles: 127
- Tackles: 197
- Tackles For Loss: 6
- Passes Defended: 17
- Interceptions: 6
2024:
- Solo Tackles: 52
- Tackles: 77
- Tackles For Loss: 4
- Passes Defended: 3
- Interceptions: 1