Georgia Safety Malaki Starks Falls Out of the First Round in Latest NFL Mock Draft
As the NFL draft approaches, the player rankings are becoming a key point of discussion for analysts, coaches, and fans alike. Among the players who have captured attention in this draft cycle is Georgia safety Malaki Starks, who, after a stellar season, was expected to be a first-round pick. However, in the latest NFL mock drafts, Starks has surprisingly fallen out of the first round, sparking discussions about his potential and where he might land in April’s draft.
A Stellar Career at Georgia
Malaki Starks has been a standout performer for the Georgia Bulldogs since his arrival in Athens. His blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability helped solidify Georgia’s defense as one of the most dominant units in college football. In his sophomore season, Starks showcased his versatility, excelling both in coverage and as a physical presence in the box. His ability to read plays, cover ground, and make critical tackles earned him the attention of scouts from across the NFL.
With Georgia’s success in recent years, including a national championship and multiple SEC titles, Starks’ stock had been on the rise. Many believed that the safety would be one of the top defenders taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some projections placing him in the first round due to his high upside and leadership qualities.
The Drop in Draft Projections
Despite his impressive college career, Starks has faced some scrutiny leading up to the draft. In the latest NFL mock drafts, the safety has slipped out of the first round, a fall that raises some eyebrows in the football community. There are a few reasons contributing to this unexpected drop.
- Position Value: Safety is traditionally not one of the highest-prioritized positions in the first round, with many teams opting to address premium positions such as quarterback, pass rusher, or offensive tackle earlier. While Starks has all the tools to be an impact player, some teams may feel they can address safety later in the draft, especially given the depth at the position.
- Developmental Concerns: Despite his success at Georgia, some scouts question whether Starks is ready to immediately contribute at the highest level. While his potential is undeniable, there have been moments where his decision-making or consistency could be improved, which may make teams hesitant to invest a first-round pick on him.
- Depth of Talent: This year’s draft class is considered particularly deep, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With so many talented edge rushers, cornerbacks, and defensive linemen available, the competition for first-round spots is fierce, pushing Starks further down the board.
- Combine and Pro Day Results: While Starks has been solid in college, some of his combine and pro day performances might have not been as eye-catching as expected. A combination of testing results or the emergence of other top safety prospects may have influenced his stock.
What’s Next for Starks?
Though the drop from the first round is surprising, it’s important to note that Starks still remains one of the top safeties available in this draft. Falling out of the first round doesn’t mean he will be a bust or that his career prospects are doomed. It simply means that he may be available later in the draft, and whichever team selects him could get a tremendous value.
Starks is still expected to go within the first few picks of the second round, and his blend of size, speed, and football IQ will make him a highly coveted asset for a team looking to shore up its secondary. Given his potential to be an immediate impact player, teams in need of safety help will likely jump at the chance to select him.
Conclusion
Malaki Starks’ fall from the first round in the latest NFL mock draft is a reminder of how fluid the draft process can be. While his ability and upside are unquestioned, there are several factors—ranging from the depth of the draft class to positional value—that have caused his stock to dip. Regardless of where he lands, however, Starks will likely make an impact on whichever team selects him. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and playmaking ability suggests that he will be an important contributor in the NFL for years to come.
