The 2025 NFL Draft is several months away. Yet, it’s not too early to think about who the Indianapolis Colts could take with their first-round pick. Daniel Flick of si.com put together an NFL Mock Draft recently. He has the Colts landing Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first round (12th overall pick):
“The Colts’ secondary has been a concern since training camp, and Indianapolis is home to the NFL’s sixth-worst pass defense, giving up 238 yards per game. Opposing quarterbacks complete 68.9% of their attempts, fourth highest in the league. Starks makes plays from a variety of alignments and is impactful against both the run and the pass. Starks, a five-star recruit turned three-year standout, has the ball skills, athleticism and versatility to change the complexion of the Colts’ defense.”
The Colts certainly need help at the safety position. As Flick mentioned, the secondary has been an issue since training camp. Should they select Malaki Starks in the 2025 draft?
2025 NFL Mock Draft Has the Indianapolis Colts Taking Malaki Starks
Starks’ Career Thus Far
Malaki Starks was a multi-sport athlete at Jefferson High School High in Jefferson, Georgia. He played quarterback and safety as a football star. He also participated in track and field.
Starks, a consensus five-star recruit, stayed in Georgia to play for the Bulldogs. He would start as a true freshman, finishing third on the team in combined tackles with 68. He won a national championship in his debut season as Georgia blew out TCU 65-7. In addition, he was a finalist for the 2022 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
As a sophomore in 2023, Starks recorded 52 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups. He was also named a consensus All-American and made first-team All-SEC.
So far this season, Starks has accumulated 51 tackles (four for loss), an interception, and two pass breakups for the No. 8-ranked Bulldogs. Plus, he has returned three punts for 21 yards. Starks is considered the top safety prospect in next April’s 2025 draft.
Should the Colts Draft Him?
Safety is undoubtedly one of the Colts’ biggest weaknesses. With that said, Malaki Starks would be a great addition to the team’s struggling secondary. He’s super-athletic and possesses blazing speed. The six-foot-one, 205-pounder often uses his length and speed to disrupt opposing wide receivers. Starks displays his track and field background as a run defender, running down backs and receivers weekly.
Julian Blackmon, the Colts’ best safety, will become a free agent following the season. The former third-round pick tested the waters of free agency this past offseason, visiting Super Bowl contenders like the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. He ultimately re-signed with the Colts on a one-year deal.
There’s a chance Blackmon won’t return next spring and wind up signing a multi-year deal with another team. If he does leave, Starks would be an ideal replacement. He can play either safety spot and could start opposite of Nick Cross.
If Starks is available in the 2025 draft, the Colts shouldn’t hesitate to draft the star defender. He’s just what the team needs.
Main Image: Will McLelland – USA Today Sports
