Malaki Starks S Georgia | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Malaki Starks S Georgia
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (98%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 11/13/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (98%*) | |
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 11/13/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 88.1 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 63.9 | |
| Tackling: |
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91% |
| Run Defense: |
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90% |
| Coverage: |
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85% |
| Zone: |
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84% |
| Man/Press: |
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80% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#10
Position rank:
#3
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| College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1864 | ||
ESPN RATING: 90/100
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247 RATING: 100/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Cine - Georgia |
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86% |
| Kerby Joseph - Illinois |
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75% |
| Daxton Hill - Michigan |
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73% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Malaki Starks, a standout from Jefferson High School, was a 5-star recruit by both ESPN and 247 Sports. In high school, he excelled as a two-way player, starring as a quarterback and safety, and also shined in track and field. Starks committed to Georgia, where he continued to demonstrate his athletic prowess on the field.
As a freshman in 2022, Starks played in 13 games, logging 732 snaps at safety for Georgia. He recorded 47 tackles, 11 assists, 7 stops, 5 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, with a quarterback rating when targeted of 91.5. In his sophomore year, he played another 13 games, tallying 674 snaps, 45 tackles, 13 assists, 18 stops, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, improving his quarterback rating when targeted to 73.5.
Starks' college career includes Consensus All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors in 2023. He finished the season with 52 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, Starks focused on mentoring his teammates and preparing for the upcoming season. His diverse skill set and strong performance have positioned him as a top prospect for the NFL Draft.
Malaki Starks is an elite athlete who excelled as a two-way star in high school before transitioning to safety in college. At Jefferson High, he was a dynamic option quarterback, rushing for 1,537 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior. Starks also demonstrated impressive speed as a top sprinter, posting personal bests of 10.55 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.67 seconds in the 200 meters. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, his athletic profile was among the best in his recruiting class.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Impressive length and elite overall athleticism make him a valuable asset in press coverage schemes.
- Fluid mover with the ability to mirror quick receivers underneath and defend slot targets.
- Sprinter's speed allows him to cover even the fastest receivers deep
- Explodes out of his backpedal with exceptional closing speed, showing excellent ball skills.
- Displays quick feet and loose hips, allowing him to be effective in press coverage.
- Tracks the ball well, avoiding penalties by getting his head around on time.
- Physical run defender with short-area explosiveness to impact ball carriers.
- Versatility to play in the box, slot, or deep safety due to his strength and athleticism.
- Experience in a high-level college defense provides a strong foundation for NFL play.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Susceptible to being overly aggressive, which can be exploited by experienced quarterbacks.
- Needs to improve his understanding of complex route combinations and overall field vision.
- Hesitancy at times in coverage can limit his range and playmaking ability.
- Occasional lapses in confidence, impacting his decision-making in coverage.
- Post-surgery recovery may raise concerns about his durability and readiness.
Scouting Report: Summary
Malaki Starks is a versatile and athletic safety with a high ceiling at the next level. His ability to play deep, in the box, or cover the slot makes him a valuable chess piece for any defensive coordinator. Starks' physicality in run support and his knack for making plays on the ball are major pluses. His experience in a top-tier program like Georgia means he's battle-tested and ready for the NFL grind.
However, Starks isn't without his flaws. His aggressive nature can lead to being caught out of position, something NFL quarterbacks will look to exploit. He needs to improve his recognition of route combinations and overall field awareness. Additionally, there are moments of hesitancy in his coverage that can be exploited.
Projecting Starks' future in the NFL, he has the tools to become a difference-maker in the secondary. His blend of speed, agility, and physicality is ideal for a modern safety. If he can iron out his very limited weaknesses, Starks has Pro Bowl potential. Teams looking for a dynamic and versatile safety will find a lot to like in Starks, making him a potential steal in the draft.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Malaki Starks (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.