Is it too early to start speculating who the Colts might pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft? Absolutely. But hey, the mock draft machine is always churning, and one name that's repeatedly coming up for the Colts is Georgia safety Malaki Starks.
Why Starks?
- Size and Athleticism: At 6'1" and 205 pounds, Starks is a top-tier athlete who would bring a versatile skill set to the Colts' safety position.
- Impressive Stats: Over two seasons at Georgia, he's lined up primarily as a free safety but also has significant snaps in the box (329) and the slot (393).
- Solid Tackling: He's missed only 8 of his 130 tackle attempts, proving to be a reliable defender.
Improved Performance
Starks saw a remarkable improvement in his sophomore year:
- Completion Rate: Dropped from 61% to 51%.
- Yards Per Catch: Reduced from 16.9 to 11.1.
- Passer Rating: When targeted, it plummeted to 61.6.
- Run Defense: Graded as one of the best run defenders by PFF.
For more on Starks, here's what PFF had to say:
"He is an outstanding run defender, tackler, and coverage player who also boasts elite athleticism for the position. Starks ranked in the top 10 among Power Five safeties in both forced incompletions (tied for sixth) and run-defense grade (seventh) in 2023."
The Colts' Safety Situation
Safety could be a top priority for the Colts in next year’s draft. There are a few reasons for this:
- Inconsistent Play: The 2023 season saw too many big plays given up on the back end.
- Free Agency: Julian Blackmon is set to be a free agent next offseason, adding to the uncertainty.
- Current Roster: There are question marks around Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas, who are expected to step up this season.
Mock Draft Projections
In the mock drafts that have the Colts selecting Starks, Indianapolis is picking in the mid-teens, just like this past April. But a lot can change in 10 months—players will rise, others will fall, and team needs will shift.
Keep an Eye on Starks
As we get closer to the college football season, it makes sense to keep tabs on Starks. Given his play and the potential need the Colts might have, he's definitely a name to watch.
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