When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation and excitement are already heating up, and The Athletic's 32 NFL beat writers recently got together for a full-fledged group mock draft. Naturally, fans of the Indianapolis Colts are eager to see which prospect could be heading their way. So, who did they end up with in this scenario?
The Colts' Pick: Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
With the 14th overall pick in this mock draft, James Boyd had the Colts selecting Malaki Starks, the standout safety from Georgia. This decision came after Tyler Warren was already off the board, leaving Indianapolis to focus on another crucial area of need—bolstering their secondary.
"Indianapolis needs to upgrade at safety, and Starks is widely considered the best one in this year’s draft class," Boyd wrote. "His athleticism, high IQ, and versatility will be crucial in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system, which has typically heaped a lot of responsibility on its safeties."
This pick makes a ton of sense. The Colts' secondary, especially at the safety position, has been an area of concern. Starks isn’t just any defensive back—he’s a playmaker. With his ability to line up all over the field and contribute in various roles, he fits the mold of a modern NFL safety who can do it all.
Why Starks?
Starks has built a reputation as a versatile and instinctive safety who can thrive in different defensive schemes. With the Colts transitioning to Lou Anarumo’s defensive system, having a high-IQ player like Starks patrolling the back end could be a game-changer.
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Tackling Machine: During his tenure at Georgia, Starks proved to be a sound tackler, missing fewer than 7% of his total attempts. That’s the kind of reliability any team would love to have in their secondary.
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Coverage Ability: He isn’t just a run-stopper—Starks has also held his own in coverage. He allowed a completion rate of 61% and recorded six interceptions with 14 pass breakups.
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Proven Winner: He’s been part of a powerhouse program at Georgia, meaning he’s faced elite competition week in and week out. That experience should help him make a smoother transition to the NFL.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had high praise for Starks in his pre-draft report:
“Three-year starter with reams of high-leverage games on his résumé. Starks is a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine when the action travels deep.”
The Colts’ Current Safety Situation
Depth at safety is an area of concern for Indianapolis. As of now, the team has Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo under contract for the 2025 season. While they’ve all had moments of solid play, none of them have truly solidified themselves as long-term solutions.
Adding Starks would immediately boost the talent level in the secondary, giving the Colts a potential star who could quarterback the defense from the back end. But beyond just talent, depth remains an issue. Even if Starks is drafted, the Colts would likely need to add another safety via free agency or later in the draft.
Could Free Agency Be an Option?
One thing to consider: the Colts may not wait until the draft to address this need. Given Anarumo’s defensive philosophy, having an experienced safety to help transition to his system might be a priority in free agency. A veteran presence would provide leadership while also allowing a rookie like Starks to ease into the role rather than being thrust into the fire immediately.
Trade-Down Possibilities?
Another scenario worth watching—what if the Colts decide to trade down? If Tyler Warren is already off the board, as he was in this mock, moving back to accumulate more draft capital could be an appealing option. General Manager Chris Ballard has never shied away from trading down if he believes he can still land an impact player later while adding extra picks.
However, if Starks is still available when the Colts are on the clock, it would be hard to pass up on a player of his caliber. Finding a high-quality, versatile safety is no easy task, and Starks checks all the boxes for what Indianapolis needs on the back end.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Draft is unpredictable, and while this is just a mock scenario, it gives us insight into how the Colts might approach their first-round selection. With a pressing need at safety, Malaki Starks appears to be an ideal fit for what the team is looking for. Whether they stick with this pick, trade down, or address the position in free agency remains to be seen—but one thing is for sure: the Colts must improve their secondary if they want to take the next step in 2025.
What do you think of this potential pick? Would you rather see the Colts go in a different direction, or is Starks the perfect choice? The countdown to the draft is on, and speculation will only continue to build!
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