Results of the Georgia Bulldogs’ safety Malaki Starks’ NFL Scouting Combine
Malaki Starks’ Performance at the NFL Scouting Combine: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical events for NFL Draft prospects, where athletes showcase their physical abilities, skills, and football IQ to scouts and coaches from all 32 teams. Among the notable players participating in the 2025 Combine was Malaki Starks, the standout safety from the University of Georgia. Known for his versatile skill set, intelligence, and athleticism, Starks has long been considered a top-tier prospect for the NFL Draft. His performance at the Combine further cemented his status as one of the top defensive backs eligible for the draft.
This article will dive into the key moments of Starks’ performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, examining his physical attributes, drills, interviews, and how all these aspects contribute to his draft prospects. Additionally, we will explore his college career and how his development at Georgia helped shape his rise as a top NFL prospect.
I. Background and College Career at Georgia
Malaki Starks arrived at the University of Georgia as one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in the country. A five-star recruit from Jefferson, Georgia, Starks quickly made an impact in Athens, becoming one of the most reliable and versatile players on a defense that was consistently ranked among the best in the nation. His ability to play both safety positions, as well as in the slot, made him a crucial piece for the Bulldogs, especially during their national championship run.
Starks showcased his football IQ and leadership on and off the field, earning multiple accolades throughout his college career. His quick decision-making skills, physicality, and ability to read the game made him a standout. By the time he left Georgia, Starks had established himself as not only a premier safety but also one of the best overall defensive backs in the country. His playmaking ability and leadership were instrumental in Georgia’s continued dominance in the SEC and their eventual championship victory.
II. Malaki Starks at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
As one of the top prospects at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Starks had a chance to showcase his abilities to NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. With his college career behind him, the Combine was an opportunity to prove he had the physical tools necessary to transition to the NFL. Below is a breakdown of how Starks performed across the key drills at the Combine.
A. The 40-Yard Dash
The 40-yard dash is one of the marquee events at the NFL Combine, testing a player’s straight-line speed and explosiveness off the line. For a safety, the 40-yard dash time is crucial, as it reflects how quickly the player can cover ground, especially in situations requiring deep coverage or pursuing a ball carrier.
Malaki Starks clocked in at a solid 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash. While not the fastest time among the entire group, it placed him among the top performers at the safety position. Given his 6’1″ frame and 200-pound build, this time was a testament to his speed and ability to cover ground quickly. Scouts and analysts were impressed by how smoothly he accelerated and maintained his stride throughout the race, which bodes well for his ability to cover deep routes in the NFL.
B. Bench Press and Strength Tests
Another important drill for defensive backs at the Combine is the bench press, which tests a player’s upper body strength, endurance, and explosiveness. Starks participated in the bench press and completed 16 reps at 225 pounds. While this number is not eye-popping, it is solid for a safety and shows that Starks has the strength to compete at the next level against powerful wide receivers and tight ends. His ability to shed blockers and fight through offensive linemen is critical for a safety, especially in run support.
C. Agility Drills (3-Cone Drill, Shuttle Drills)
For safeties, agility is one of the most important aspects of their game, as they need to be able to change direction quickly and cover both fast receivers and elusive ball carriers. Malaki Starks impressed in the agility drills, particularly the 3-cone drill and the short shuttle.
In the 3-cone drill, Starks displayed quick footwork and an ability to change directions sharply, completing the drill in a time that ranked near the top of the safety group. His ability to break on the ball, transition from one movement to another, and adjust his body in tight spaces was something that scouts eagerly took note of. His time in the short shuttle was equally impressive, showcasing his quickness and lateral movement skills, which are essential for covering intermediate routes and making tackles in space.
III. On-Field Drills and Performance
While the physical tests at the NFL Combine provide valuable insight into a player’s athletic ability, it’s the on-field drills that give coaches and scouts a clearer picture of how a player will fit into their defensive scheme. For Starks, his on-field performance further confirmed why he’s considered one of the best safety prospects in the 2025 draft class.
A. Ball Skills and Coverage Ability
One of Starks’ standout qualities is his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball. During the on-field drills at the Combine, Starks displayed his ball-hawking skills, showing excellent tracking ability and the instincts to break on the ball at the right moment. His ability to transition from coverage to intercepting passes in the air is a major asset, and during the Combine, he demonstrated these skills repeatedly in drills against both wide receivers and tight ends.
Starks’ ability to play both deep and short zones makes him an ideal safety for a modern NFL defense, which requires versatility and the ability to cover a wide range of offensive players. His ability to cover wide receivers in man coverage and play over the top in deep zones gives him the flexibility to be used in a variety of defensive schemes.
B. Versatility and Position Flexibility
Another key aspect of Starks’ Combine performance was his ability to perform well in a variety of drills designed to test his versatility. He was asked to cover tight ends, wide receivers, and running backs in both zone and man-to-man coverage. Starks’ ability to excel in all these areas is what sets him apart from many other safeties in the draft class. His speed, football IQ, and athleticism allow him to function as a strong safety near the line of scrimmage or as a free safety deep in coverage. NFL teams looking for a player who can line up in multiple positions and adapt to different defensive schemes will find Starks to be a highly attractive prospect.
IV. Interviews and Mental Performance
The NFL Combine is not just a showcase of physical ability but also an opportunity for teams to assess a player’s mental toughness and football intelligence. Interviews with teams are a major part of the Combine process, and Starks certainly left an impression in these settings.
Starks, known for his football IQ and leadership on the field, impressed teams with his understanding of the game. He spoke in detail about his time at Georgia, explaining his role in the Bulldogs’ defense and how he contributed to their success. Scouts appreciated his maturity, confidence, and ability to articulate complex football concepts. Starks’ calm demeanor and intelligence in these settings further confirmed that he is ready for the mental challenges of the NFL.
V. How Malaki Starks Fits into the NFL
After his performance at the Combine, there’s little doubt that Malaki Starks will be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, agility, football IQ, and versatility makes him an ideal candidate for any NFL team looking to improve its secondary. He possesses the rare ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield, which makes him a valuable asset in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots—who prioritize secondary play and value versatile safeties—are likely to take a close look at Starks in the first round. His physical tools and mental aptitude make him a player who could immediately contribute to an NFL defense, whether as a starter or a key rotational piece in the secondary.
Malaki Starks’ performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was nothing short of impressive. His athleticism, football IQ, and versatility were on full display, making it clear that he is ready to transition to the next level. As one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Starks is primed to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects him. The combination of his physical attributes and mental approach to the game will allow him to thrive in the NFL, and his journey is one that football fans will closely follow as the draft draws nearer.