Malaki Starks – Syndication Server

Three Georgia Bulldogs picked in first round of NFL mock draft

Three-round 2025 NFL mock draft has four Bulldogs selected.

PFF released its latest three-round 2025 NFL mock draft, and four Georgia Bulldogs were selected in this draft, including three in the first round. With Georgia players potentially graduating, declaring for the draft, or entering the transfer portal, the Bulldogs are working on signing recruits to replace these Georgia players.

Here are the Bulldogs selected in PFF’s mock draft:

No. 10: S Malaki Starks, Cincinnati Bengals

Starks has progressed ever since Georgia recruited him in 2021. He was a part of the championship squad in 2022, became a Consensus All-American in 2023, and could win a major award in 2024.

The Bengals need significant help in the secondary, especially at safety, and with Starks, Cincinnati will get a rangy safety with an elite football IQ. The Bengals have been looking for a Jessie Bates replacement and Starks could be that.

No. 11: EDGE/LB Jalon Walker, Chicago Bears

Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Walker is a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher with elite pass-rushing abilities, which has drawn him comparisons to Micah Parsons. He’s racked up over 20 pressures in the past two seasons and has an 81.6 pass-rushing grade this year.

The Bears, who recently promoted a former Georgia running back to head coach, could choose to address the defensive side of the ball. Walker can pair with Montez Sweat to form an elite pass-rushing duo.

No. 29: EDGE Mykel Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

Other mock drafts have picked Mykel Williams higher, but even with the slide, Williams lands in a perfect spot. Philadelphia needs reinforcements at the edge, with Brandon Graham retiring and Josh Sweat heading into free agency. The Eagles already have several Georgia Bulldogs on their roster, including Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and Nakobe Dean in their front seven.

No. 56: OG Tate Ratledge, Baltimore Ravens

Ratledge has been a stalwart guard for five years at Georgia. In the past three seasons, he’s earned over an 80 PFF grade in pass-blocking and over a 69 PFF grade in run-blocking. The Ravens need offensive line reinforcements, especially in the guard spots.

Georgia’s biggest transfer portal needs

Georgia football’s primary position to target in the NCAA transfer portal

The winter transfer portal window opens on Monday, Dec. 9. What are some positions the Georgia Bulldogs most need to acquire talent for next season?

Quarterback

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is not expected to return in 2025. The Bulldogs have no returning quarterbacks on the roster that have thrown over 100 career pass attempts. UGA is very likely to target a quarterback to, at the very least, compete with Gunner Stockton and Jaden Rashada.

Wide Receiver

It wouldn’t be surprising if Georgia adds at least two wide receivers via the transfer portal. The Bulldogs brought in three receivers from the portal last year and two the year before, so this approach is a regular part of UGA’s roster strategy. Georgia’s wide receiver depth is already expected to take a hit with four seniors Dominic Lovett, Michael Jackson, Arian Smith (has one-year of remaining eligibility) and Colbie Young set to depart. Also, Dillon Bell could leave for the 2025 NFL draft.

Georgia has a clear need to replenish talent and maintain depth at the position. It would say a lot if head coach Kirby Smart spends significant name, image and likeness resources for an elite wide receiver. A name to watch is former five-star wide receiver Johntay Cook from the Texas Longhorns.

In 2024, Cook recorded eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Safety

Georgia has three starting-caliber safeties right now. However, Dan Jackson is set to depart and Malaki Starks is expected to declare for the NFL draft. Starks is projected to be a high first round pick.

This leaves KJ Bolden as the only returning starter at safety. Expect Georgia to reach out to former FAU safety CJ Heard. He is from the Atlanta area and graduated from Woodward Academy.

In 2024, he recorded 73 tackles which led FAU and also forced a fumble in his freshman campaign. He also earned midseason freshman All-American honora.

Defensive Lineman

Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson will exhaust their eligibility at the end of the 2024 season, and Christen Miller could also be an early draft departure. Also, Mykel Williams is more than likely skipping his senior season to be a high first round NFL draft pick. Georgia will likely look to add experienced defensive line talent with a particular emphasis on a nose tackle.

Last year, the Bulldogs explored options at defensive tackle and only took Xzavier McLeod. This time, they may adopt a more flexible approach, adding more than one experienced defensive linemen. While Georgia is assembling an elite defensive line group for 2025 through high school recruiting, the group will still need immediate plug-and-play options to maintain depth and competitiveness upfront.

Deion Sanders disagrees with Thorpe award finalists including UGA safety

Malaki Starks has been named as one of three Jim Thorpe finalists and Deion Sanders does not approve

Georgia safety Malaki Starks has been named one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Starks, a native of Jefferson, Georgia, joins Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as finalists for the prestigious honor. Former Georgia All-American Deandre Baker claimed the Thorpe Award in 2018, Starks has now earned his place as a finalist in two consecutive seasons.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders did not approve of the three finalists for the Thorpe Award.

“How is Travis Hunter snubbed by the Thorpe Award? You can have my award. You can have it back. Matter of fact, I’m going to give him mine. I ain’t using it. It’s just sitting up there collecting dust,” Sanders said.

“So Travis can have my Thorpe Award, because if this ain’t the most idiotic thing in college football, that he’s not a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and he is, I would say arguably, but I don’t think it’s really an argument about this young man being the best defensive back in college football,” Sanders said.

Sanders has no qualms with Malaki Starks, but he disagrees with the selection of the three Thorpe finalists.

Starks has been a three year starter for defense at safety and arguably is one of the best to put on a Bulldog uniform. Starks has been a part of an All-American team since his freshman year, earning Freshman All-American honors and becoming a consensus First-Team All-American last season.

This year, Starks is tied for the team lead with 55 tackles, including four for loss, and has recorded an interception. Playing at the Star position, he has started 39 consecutive games and has been instrumental in helping Georgia’s defense hold four opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter in 2024, including top-ranked Texas on the road in Austin.

No. 10 Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC) will host Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 ACC) in the Bulldogs’ regular season finale on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

3 Georgia Bulldogs selected early in first round of 2025 NFL mock draft

Three Georgia Bulldogs are projected to go in the top half of the first-round in a recent CBS NFL mock draft.

CBS writer Ryan Wilson recently released his newest 2025 NFL mock draft. Wilson projects that three Georgia Bulldogs will go in the top half of the first round of his mock draft.

All three of Wilson’s projected first-round picks from Georgia play defense. The Bulldogs are among the best defenses in the country, but still have room for improvement.

Jalon Walker, Miami Dolphins, 12th overall

Jalon Walker has shown insane versatility, lining up as both an off-ball linebacker and as an edge rusher. He’s a fast player that is great at block shedding, both in pass-rushing and run defense. He’s already drawn praise from NFL legends, such as Micah Parsons, who he’s received comparisons to. Walker would be an impact player for the Dolphins defense that sorely needs one in the front seven.

Mykel Williams, 14th overall, Chicago Bears

Mykel Williams is a little further down from draft mocks earlier in the year. He was considered a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in September. However, he is still a one-of-one talent when he’s healthy.

Williams’ incredibly good against the run, showing elite upper-body strength and technique that helps him bulldoze offensive tackles. The Bears could use offensive lineman, but they could also use a second edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.

Malaki Starks, 16th overall, Seattle Seahawks

Starks would fit perfectly in former Georgia assistant Mike McDonald’s system. Starks is a safety with excellent range. He is super effective at reading running gaps and is one of the best tacklers on Georgia’s defense. That could make a Seattle defense that is already 12th in tackling grade, according to PFF, even better.

Best, worst PFF grades from Georgia vs Florida

Best, worst performing Georgia Bulldogs according to PFF from the Georgia-Florida matchup

The Georgia Bulldogs won an unimpressive game against the Florida Gators. Georgia had several solid performers that came out of the game. The defense, particularly the inside linebackers, were great in this game. Benjamin Yurosek had his best game in a Bulldog uniform so far. Tate Ratledge’s return was huge for the Georgia offensive line.

Even then, there were some massive holes that prevented Georgia from pulling away against Florida. Carson Beck had one of his worst games in his career. Malaki Starks was burnt on deep routes several times this game. The wide receiver room desperately misses Anthony Evans III and Colbie Young.

With that being said, here are the top three and bottom three PFF grades (subscription needed) from each side of the ball:

Offense

Best Grades

Center Jared Wilson: 77.8 total, 84.7 pass-blocking grade, 72.3 run-blocking grade

Running Back Nate Frazier: 77.3 total, 76.8 running grade, 73.0 pass blocking grade

Running back Dwight Phillips Jr.: 75.2 total, 63.4 running grade

Worst Grades

Tight End Lawson Luckie: 52.9 total, 58.1 receiving grade, 67.4 pass-blocking grade, 41.1 rush-blocking grade

Wide Receiver Sacovie White: 56.0 total, 57.5 receiving

Tight End Oscar Delp: 57.9 total, 68.5 receiving grade, 35.4 pass-blocking grade, 47.5 run-blocking grade

Defense

Best Grades

Safety KJ Bolden: 83.3 total, 75.6 run defense grade, 82.6 tackling grade, 82.9 coverage grade

Linebacker C.J. Allen: 80.4 total, 72.2 run defense grade, 82.2 tackling grade, 60.5 pass rush grade, 80.5 coverage grade

Outside Linebacker Chaz Chambliss: 75.7 total, 74.5 run defense grade, 79.6 tackling grade, 68.5 pass rush game, 61.5 coverage grade

Worst Grades

Safety Malaki Starks: 54.1 total, 69.9 run defense grade, 81.0 tackling grade, 47.3 coverage grade

Safety Kyron Jones: 54.7 total, 56.4 run defense grade, 61.0 coverage grade

Safety Joenel Aguero: 55.4 total, 61.0 run defense grade, 21.8 tackling grade, 54.3 coverage grade

Georgia releases hype video before Texas game

Georgia football releases epic video in advance of their game vs. No .1 Texas

The No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs are preparing the most hyped-up matchup in all of college football against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. To bring more anticipation, they’ve released a hype video ahead of the matchup.

Georgia’s hype video is narrated by UGA football safety Malaki Starks, who was recognized by PFF last week. Starks describes about the power of the G on the helmet and the meaning behind it. The G is about the brotherhood, the connection, and the hard work it takes to be elite.

The power of the G reminds me of the Georgia culture as a whole. The culture of the Bulldogs has been the most powerful thing they can tip their hat to over the past years.

It’s why some analysts see Georgia as the toughest matchup Texas has to face. It’s why people still believe Georgia can make the playoffs with three losses. If there’s one team that can defeat a juggernaut like Texas, it’s Georgia.

“College GameDay” is in town for the Georgia-Texas game. The key SEC game will be broadcast on ABC Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Georgia has a massive opportunity on Saturday against Texas in what will probably be college football’s most watched game of Week 8.

Carson Beck earns national recognition from PFF

Georgia football quarterback Carson Beck earns significant props for his career-best performance last week

PFF just released their team of the best players from Week 7, and after Georgia’s 41-31 shootout against Mississippi State, and there were several Georgia Bulldogs that made all-conference teams, but quarterback Carson Beck made the national All-SEC team.

Beck had a historic amount of yards passing against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and he also threw three touchdowns that day. Despite having two interceptions, he was the catalyst of the offense and the biggest reason why the Georgia Bulldogs weren’t upset against a team Georgia was projected to beat by over 33 points. Overall, his PFF grade was a 90.7, the highest offense grade given out to any Georgia offensive player from last week.

He wasn’t the only Bulldog who made one of PFF’s Week 7 teams. In the SEC, wide receiver Arian Smith and safety Malaki Starks both made the All-SEC team. Smith had a stellar day catching passes from Beck, totaling 134 yards on just five receptions, with a touchdown.

Despite the secondary showing concerns last week, Malaki Starks did his part, earning an 80.5 grade on PFF.

Georgia Bulldog player goes No. 1 overall in 2025 NFL mock draft

Four Georgia football standouts go in first round of 2025 NFL mock draft

CBS writer Josh Edwards released his first 2025 NFL mock draft on Thursday (Sept. 5). Edwards has Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Mykel Williams going No. 1 to the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL draft.

Williams would land in a perfect situation, becoming the leading pass rusher for the Patriots, who just traded Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots’ only former Georgia Bulldog is center David Andrews, so Williams could be New England’s latest first-round pick from Georgia.

Three other Georgia Bulldogs were selected in the first round of his mock draft, including Georgia quarterback Carson Beck.

Carson Beck, 6th, Las Vegas Raiders

With this selection, Beck would reunite with his best pass-catcher ever, tight end Brock Bowers. He would be the highest quarterback taken by the Raiders since JaMarcus Russell, but his situation with the Raiders would be solid. He would have both Bowers and Davante Adams to throw to along with a running game led by former Bulldog Zamir White and a coach that led the Raiders to a 5-4 record as an interim.

Malaki Starks: 23rd, Dallas Cowboys

Starks is the No. 1 safety prospect according to CBS. He’d find himself in a decent landing spot with Dallas. They have a few safeties that are solid, but Starks would be an upgrade.

Jalon Walker: 24th, Green Bay Packers

The Packers already have a bunch of Georgia Bulldogs on their roster, all on the defense. Walker would join linebacker Quay Walker in the linebacker corps, and Green Bay could use more of Georgia’s national championship experience.

Comparing Malaki Starks’ two acrobatic inceptions

Comparing Georgia football safety Malaki Starks’ interception vs. Clemson to the similar play he made against Oregon two years ago

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks made an interception against the Clemson Tigers that looked very familiar to Georgia football fans. Starks made a similar play in his college debut against the Oregon Ducks in 2022.

Both of Stars’ interceptions have a lot of similarities. Starks intercepted both passes on Week 1 in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against a highly-ranked opponent. Georgia won both games in dominant fashion.

Starks’ interception against Oregon was his coming out party. He showed the college football world that he was one of the top defensive backs in the country despite being a true freshman.

In 2024, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik showed that he has not learned about Starks’ range and tried to force the ball past him to no avail.

“This interception, right here, that he goes and high points, completely turns his head is so good,” said former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Here’s Starks’ unbelievable interception against Oregon.

https://twitter.com/GeorgiaFootball/status/1566156029821345792

Starks stayed connected with the receiver and back peddled into a position to make a play. He contorted his body to secure a ridiculous two handed catch.

In Starks’ most recent interception against Clemson, he stayed in phase with the receiver and did not have to back peddle as much. He found the ball like a wide receiver and made a fantastic play.

https://twitter.com/GeorgiaFootball/status/1829991715412840832

Georgia is 1-0 to start the 2024 college football season and Malaki Starks looks like a first-round NFL draft pick.

Colts select safety in ESPN’s way too early 2025 NFL mock draft

In a way too early 2025 NFL mock draft from ESPN, the Colts address the safety position in the first round.

It’s always mock draft season, even with training camp in full swing and roster cuts looming. In a recent way too early look ahead to the 2025 NFL draft, ESPN’s Field Yates had the Colts getting some needed help at safety.

In this mock draft, the Colts held the 14th overall selection and took Malaki Starks from Georgia.

Starks is listed at 6-1, 205 pounds, and is a very good athlete who can wear different hats on the back end of the Colts’ defense. In two seasons with Georgia up to this point, Starks has mostly played free safety, but does have slot and box experience as well–totaling over 300 snaps at each of those positions.

During those two seasons, Starks has been a sound tackler, missing only eight of his 130 total attempts, according to PFF. Entering his third collegiate seasons, Starks is an ascending player with his play across the board improving from 2022 to 2023.

This past year, his completion percentage when targeted plummeted to just 51 percent. He allowed only 11.1 yards per catch, had increased ball production and the opposing quarterbacks’ collective passer rating dipped to only 61.6. In addition to all of that, by PFF’s metrics, Starks was also one of the better run defenders at the safety position in 2023.

Here is a snippet of what Yates had to say about Starks in his mock draft:

“Starks has incredible range and instincts, allowing him to play snaps as a deep middle-of-the-field defender. But he also has the power, run-game willingness and force to play as an in-the-box safety. And Starks’ tape shows he can handle slot coverage over tight ends and even some wideouts thanks to his elite play speed.”

Many thought that the Colts should have addressed the safety position this past offseason after inconsistent play in 2023. However, no outside additions were made.

With training camp nearing an end, while Nick Cross seems to be the front-runner for the starting spot next to Julian Blackmon, overall, little clarity has been gained up to this point, with this position group still facing plenty of unknowns.

Next offseason, those both short and long-term concerns are still likely to be there. Blackmon will again be a free agent, as will Ronnie Harrison while Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas will each have just one year left on his rookie deals at that point.