Malaki Starks — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will track where Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.

Malaki Starks NFL Mock Drafts

Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Starks has appeared:

CBS Sports — Josh Edwards

No. 13 overall — Miami Dolphins

There are a few defined needs for Miami this offseason and safety is near the top of the list. Malaki Starks is the best example of a rangy, ball-hawking safety in the class whereas Nick Emmanwori has more size and versatility.

NFL.com — Bucky Brooks

No. 20 overall — Denver Broncos

Giving Vance Joseph another high-IQ defender would help the Broncos' defense sustain its impressive level of play. Starks' instincts, awareness and toughness make him an ideal fit in a "see ball, get ball" scheme.

Yahoo! — Tice/McDonald

No. 27 overall — Baltimore Ravens

Another safety falling to the Ravens? Starks is a versatile back-end player that would give Baltimore even more flexibility in its defensive back room. The Ravens love to rotate their defensive players after the snap of the ball, and Starks' ability to line up deep or in the slot would give the coaches another option to move their players around.

The Athletic — Baumgardner/Dochterman

No. 13 overall — Miami Dolphins

Miami should be open to trading back for anyone who has even a passing interest here. An offensive lineman also could be an option (perhaps Missouri's Armand Membou?).

But Starks would be a phenomenal consolation prize. He is one of the 10 best players in this draft, regardless of position, and can wear any hat in the secondary. His game — and versatility — is not unlike that of Lions standout Brian Branch.

EDSFootball — Kevin Hanson

No. 13 overall — Miami Dolphins

Starks is a versatile defender with a high football IQ, good size and the athleticism to make an impact against both the pass and the run. Meanwhile, Jevon Holland will be an unrestricted free agent in March.

The 33rd Team — Kyle Crabbs

No. 14 overall — Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have plenty of youth on the defensive side of the ball, but finding someone to tie it all together feels like the final piece of the puzzle. Starks had a quiet year compared to his career standards at Georgia, but make no mistake—this versatile defensive piece can create all kinds of coverage riddles for opposing offenses. Starks' football IQ and versatility on the back end make for an exciting mix amid a group of big, athletic corners.

NFL.com — Daniel Jeremiah

No. 24 overall — Minnesota Vikings

Starks didn't make as many plays as we're accustomed to seeing from him in 2024, but people at Georgia rave about his intangibles, leadership and work ethic. He has the versatility to play over the top or cover the slot.

ESPN — Mel Kiper

No. 13 overall — Miami Dolphins

No college defense has ever had three players go this early in the same year, per ESPN Research, but Starks could join the early run on Bulldogs. He closes well and makes plays on the ball. With 67 tackles this season, he works well in space. And he's versatile, lining up as a traditional safety and over the slot. Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer -- the Dolphins' starting safeties -- are both free agents this offseason, so Miami could certainly address the back end here. An offensive or defensive line upgrade could also be the move, though.

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