The Buccaneers pick nineteenth in the draft this year. While this later placement will put them well outside the top picks of the season, there are still plenty of really solid first-round options.
Malaki Starks may be a pipe dream. Some analysts see him going to the Dolphins or the Colts, who pick 12th and 13th respectively.
That’s certainly a possibility. This far out though, and with predictions being what they are, the Bucs could have a shot at Starks. Given the chance, they should take advantage.
Bet on the Bucs in 2025/26? Most big sports fans are thinking more about horse racing bonus by TwinSpires.com. The season is heating up. Soon the Kentucky Derby will be upon us, but the NFL draft is coming before, in late April.
How the NFL Draft Works
The NFL Draft is the league’s system for distributing college talent to professional teams in a controlled, competitive-balancing process. Teams select in reverse order of the previous season’s standings—the worst teams pick first, the Super Bowl winner picks last. This seven-round event represents each team’s primary opportunity to acquire cost-controlled talent on rookie contracts.
While quarterback is the most valuable position (and often dominates early selections), teams must balance positional value with their specific roster needs and the quality of available prospects. The Buccaneers’ 19th pick positions them in the middle of the first round, where immediate starters are still available but true “blue chip” prospects are typically gone.
Tampa Bay’s selection strategy will likely depend on whether they’re targeting a specific position of need or simply taking the best player available regardless of position. Success in the draft, particularly finding value in middle rounds, often separates consistently competitive franchises from struggling ones.
Who is Malaki Starks?
Malaki Starks spent his college career as a safety for Georgia. For four years he led the team in tackles and helped them earn a National Championship.
His record there speaks for itself. While Starks has not generated significant national attention, he’s quietly put together a collegiate career that will earn him an almost guaranteed first-round pick.
The only reason he isn’t higher in the draft is because teams with the first several selections generally don’t prioritize picking safeties.
What could Starks do for the Buccaneers?
Here’s what Dan Harms, sports commentator, said about it: “Malaki Starks is one of the smartest players in this class, and Tampa Bay’s secondary was a problem last season. He’s a versatile safety who can play single-high and split-field coverage and can also play the nickel role for a defense that isn’t afraid to come downhill and defend the run.”
The Bucs had a good season last year. They finished first in their conference, third overall in the regular season.
Though eliminated early in the postseason, fans can reasonably expect good outcomes this year—particularly if they can strengthen their lineup a little bit with some good draft picks.
How Did The Buccaneers Last Use The Draft
It’s widely thought that the Bucs did very well with last year’s fourth overall pick. They landed Bucky Irving, who played an important role in developing their roster. The running back featured heavily in the team’s overall stat sheet.
While they may look for another running back later in the draft, their higher priority will likely go to picking up a strong safety like Starks.
How Impactful Is the Draft, Really?
Ehh. It’s hard to say. On the one hand—fresh talent can really pump life into a team. For a group like the Bucs, already in decent shape, a great addition to the roster could give them just what they need to make a run at the Super Bowl next season.
On the other hand, expecting a twenty-year-old to strap an entire team on his back isn’t much of a strategy. More often than not, even outstanding players might take a couple of seasons to really start influencing the team.
Keep in mind that Starks—or anyone finding their way onto the team during the first round of the draft—might not wind up seeing lots of playtime. It’s a strong roster with a well-established and tested dynamic.
What do we have with Malaki Starks? A good player. A smart player. An x-factor? Maybe not. But, on a well-developed roster like the Buccaneers, Starks could be important.
But there’s something to horseracing as an example. These events are famous for their volatility and upsets. Football, this far out from the start of the season is equally unpredictable.
The draft will be exciting, but we won’t know for a while yet what to expect from the Bucs. Starks could be an awesome contribution to the team. That said, there is a lot of time before we see the Buccaneers in action next season.
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