On this episode of the Real Bucs Talk Podcast, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help in their secondary. University of Georgia’s Malaki Starks is a do it all type who can play multiple positions on defense. Nickel, free and strong safety, very similar to Lion’s Brian Branch.
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Here is our 2025 NFL Draft Profile For Malaki Starks
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
HT: 6’1
WT: 206 lbs
Accolades:
CFP national champion (2022)
First-team All-American (2024)
Consensus All-American (2023)
2× First-team All-SEC (2023, 2024)
Freshman All-American (2022)
Video:
Pros:
Devastatingly effective run defender who processes plays at warp speed, bringing elite closing burst and surgical angles to shut down rushing lanes before they develop
Rare combination of track speed and violent physicality shows up in his tackling – drives through ball carriers with textbook form while maintaining the explosiveness to deliver impact shots
Shows advanced hand usage against blockers in the box, consistently creates separation with strong punch before shedding to make plays against the run
Elite change of direction skills and short-area quickness allow him to mirror backs in space, rarely gets caught flat-footed against cutbacks or bounce-outs
Demonstrates natural instincts in zone coverage, particularly in matching patterns and feeling routes develop behind him while keeping eyes in the backfield
Verified 4.35 speed shows up consistently on tape, especially when ranging from deep alignment to make plays near the line of scrimmage
High football IQ manifests in pre-snap communication and adjustment – consistently got Georgia’s secondary aligned properly against motion and shifts
Shows natural hands and body control when playing the ball in the air, tracks it early and adjusts without losing speed
Cons:
Can get overaggressive attacking downhill against play action, occasionally loses leverage in coverage when quarterbacks manipulate him with their eyes
Press technique needs refinement, particularly against quick-twitch slots who can exploit his occasional high pad level off the line
Will sometimes trust his recovery speed too much in man coverage, giving up initial separation before trying to close late on breaking routes
Takes some questionable angles in pursuit when playing deep safety, leading to missed opportunities to make plays on the ball
Could show better discipline maintaining leverage in zone coverage, occasionally gets drawn out of position by quarterback manipulation
Summary:
The tape showcases a defensive prospect with exceptional run-defense skills, but also reveals some limitations in coverage. Although Malaki Starks excels in zone coverage, utilizing his impressive athleticism to recover, his technique and instincts in this area are still developing. Notably, he struggles to transition against elusive slot receivers and occasionally lapses in zone discipline, raising concerns about his potential as a well-rounded defensive back.
What stands out most on tape is not only Starks’ elite athleticism, which seamlessly transfers from the track, but also his remarkably rapid development of football instincts. These instincts perfectly complement his physical gifts, showcasing a textbook example of player development. Starks’ evolution from a talented athlete to a defensive stalwart culminated in a standout campaign, earning him a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and highlighting his dominance across multiple facets of the game.
Starks is a first-round talent whose instant impact is contingent on fitting seamlessly into a team’s scheme and being utilized effectively. His exceptional athleticism and polished run-defense skills warrant immediate playing time. However, his limitations in coverage may be exploited by complex passing offenses. While Starks brings a unique combination of physical prowess and aggressive playing style to the table, he requires substantial technical refinement to become a dependable, all-around defensive back.
Malaki Starks looks to be a perfect fit for the Buccaneers. With the lack of depth and experience in the Buccaneers secondary, this pick would be a no-brainer.
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