Summary

Malaki Starks was selected in Round 1 (#27 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of University of Georgia. Starks is a physical, instinctive safety with exceptional run‑support traits and strong coverage upside. During his time at Georgia he emerged as a three‑year starter, earned consensus All‑American honors, and showcased his ability to make plays both downhill and in coverage. He brings an advanced feel for the game, high football IQ, and positional versatility (can play deep safety, in the box, and occasionally slot/nickel). While his range and athleticism are above average, there are some areas—particularly his technique in press coverage and man‑to‑man situations—that remain developmental. He has the traits to become a foundational defensive back in the NFL.

Strengths

• Strong run‑defender with downhill trigger: Starks consistently shows the ability to come off the edge, run the alley, engage blockers and make tackles near or behind the line of scrimmage. Bleacher Report

• Instincts and play‑recognition: He reads routes, quarterback eyes and offensive alignment well; positions himself to make plays in zone coverage and near the line. NFL Draft Buzz

• Ball‑skills and contested space ability: Shows good hands, tracks the ball in the air, and can make plays as a turnover‑threat in the secondary. Bleacher Report

• Positional versatility and alignment flexibility: He can play deep, in the box, and serve in nickel sub‑packages—offering schematic flexibility to a defense. Sports Info Solutions

• Durable production at a top program: A starter for multiple seasons at Georgia, with high tackle counts and strong grade marks in run and coverage phases. Baltimore Ravens

Weaknesses

• Man‑coverage against elite speed/route‑technique threats: While solid in zone, Starks can get a step slow or be challenged in one‑on‑one press/man situations by ultra‑quick receivers. Bleacher Report

• Press‑alignment release and hip‑sink refinements needed: When aligned closer to the line or in press situations, he occasionally shows slower hip rotation or loses separation at stem. NFL Draft Buzz

• Range and top‑end speed profile is good but not dominant: His movement and recovery are very good, but some evaluators believe he does not have elite “speed for a safety” compared to the fastest at the position. Sports Info Solutions

• Technique in block‑shedding and heavy contact: While he’s a willing tackler and strong near the line, refining his hand usage and block‑combat technique in heavier run‑fronts remains a growth area. Bleacher Report

• Role definition and projection may be scheme‑dependent: Because he has versatility, how teams deploy him will matter; maximizing his impact may require a scheme tailored to his strengths rather than conventional usage. Sports Info Solutions

Fit & Outlook

Starks fits best in a defense that emphasizes versatility in the secondary, uses multiple coverages, and values safeties who can impact both the run‑game and pass‑game. Ideal schemes give him freedom to roam, play in the box when needed, and rotate between deep posts and slot/box alignments. Given his size and instincts, he can excel in assignments where he is tasked with being a “lever” in the secondary—moving around pre‑snap, matching tight ends or H‑backs, and thriving in both zone and hybrid coverages. Outlook‑wise, his floor is that of a high‑end starter at safety who contributes immediately in run support and as a reliable coverage piece. His ceiling is very strong: with technique refinement and continued growth, he could evolve into a Pro Bowl‑caliber safety who influences games across all three levels—deep, intermediate and the point of attack. The main risk is misuse or being placed in a scheme that demands consistent long‑man coverage on elite receivers without the supporting structure; in such cases his impact might be muted. But in the right system, Starks has the traits to be a cornerstone defensive back for years.