Falcons add key piece to secondary in new 2025 NFL mock draft
The Atlanta Falcons addressed multiple needs during Week 1 of NFL free agency, re-signing cornerback Mike Hughes, signing EDGE Leonard Floyd and defensive lineman Morgan Fox. However, the defense still has a few holes to fill in the secondary.
Since the team has not re-signed safety Justin Simmons or nickel cornerback Dee Alford, Atlanta may choose to address these positions in the 2025 NFL draft. This year's class has a handful of safety prospects projected as early-to-mid-round draft picks, but one safety is ranked above all the rest.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks is someone to keep an eye on. The Falcons showed up in full force to the Bulldogs' pro day. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is high on Starks, calling him "the safest pick in the draft." Will 2025 finally be the year Atlanta drafts a Georgia player in the first round?
A new mock draft from Pro Football Focus has the Falcons taking Starks with the 15th overall pick.
"The Falcons have Jesse Bates III secured on a big contract and need a playmaker to pair with him," wrote PFF's John Kosko. "Starks isn’t going to “wow” you with elite athleticism, but he plays the game at a high level with his IQ, versatility, ball skills and instincts."
Starks is ranked ninth on the Pro Football Focus big board. Despite his perceived physical limitations, safety is among the most cerebral positions in football. The Bulldogs defensive back could step into a starting role right away for Atlanta.
Starks recorded six interceptions for an elite Georgia defense over the last three seasons. In terms of versatility, it's hard to find a safety with more in this year's draft class. Starks spent most of his time at free safety but also played over 200 snaps in the box and another 271 in the slot.
The Falcons need both talent and depth in the secondary. If Starks is available at pick No. 15, he'd make a lot of sense for Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons draft Georgia's Malaki Starks in 2025 NFL mock
| 12h ago |
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