Malaki Starks-S-Georgia

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/positions/S/1/2025

Malaki Starks Summary

Scouting Report: SummaryStarks enters the NFL as one of the draft's most pro-ready run defenders from the safety position. His elite tackling grades and remarkable consistency against the run will translate immediately to the next level, while his coverage skills offer a solid foundation to build upon.

His best fit comes with teams that heavily involve their safeties in run support and rely on split-safety zone coverage concepts. While his man coverage abilities are developing, his elite run defense instincts and reliable tackling make him an immediate three-down starter who can impact the game primarily in the box and intermediate zones.

Projecting forward, Starks has the physical tools and football IQ to develop into a complete safety as his coverage skills catch up to his elite run-defense ability. Smart defensive coordinators will maximize his strengths early by deploying him as an aggressive box defender while allowing his coverage game to evolve naturally within their scheme.

Vs.

Billy Bowman Summary

Scouting Report: Summary
A versatile defensive back with elite ball skills, Bowman fits best in multiple coverage schemes that maximize his instincts and range. His size limitations may restrict certain matchups, but positional flexibility compensates. Bowman's turnover creation ability and special teams value make him an attractive day two target.

Scheme fits favoring Bowman include pattern-match zones and disguised coverages, allowing him to read and react. His experience at safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators multiple personnel options. While tackling technique needs refinement, Bowman's closing speed and willingness in run support are assets in the right system.

Bowman's game-changing interception skills and return ability elevate his draft stock. Teams emphasizing defensive playmaking and versatile defensive backs will value his potential impact, both in sub-packages and as a future starter.

Originally posted by Butter:
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/positions/S/1/2025

Malaki Starks Summary

Scouting Report: SummaryStarks enters the NFL as one of the draft's most pro-ready run defenders from the safety position. His elite tackling grades and remarkable consistency against the run will translate immediately to the next level, while his coverage skills offer a solid foundation to build upon.

His best fit comes with teams that heavily involve their safeties in run support and rely on split-safety zone coverage concepts. While his man coverage abilities are developing, his elite run defense instincts and reliable tackling make him an immediate three-down starter who can impact the game primarily in the box and intermediate zones.

Projecting forward, Starks has the physical tools and football IQ to develop into a complete safety as his coverage skills catch up to his elite run-defense ability. Smart defensive coordinators will maximize his strengths early by deploying him as an aggressive box defender while allowing his coverage game to evolve naturally within their scheme.

Vs.

Billy Bowman Summary

Scouting Report: Summary
A versatile defensive back with elite ball skills, Bowman fits best in multiple coverage schemes that maximize his instincts and range. His size limitations may restrict certain matchups, but positional flexibility compensates. Bowman's turnover creation ability and special teams value make him an attractive day two target.

Scheme fits favoring Bowman include pattern-match zones and disguised coverages, allowing him to read and react. His experience at safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators multiple personnel options. While tackling technique needs refinement, Bowman's closing speed and willingness in run support are assets in the right system.

Bowman's game-changing interception skills and return ability elevate his draft stock. Teams emphasizing defensive playmaking and versatile defensive backs will value his potential impact, both in sub-packages and as a future starter.

Different caliber of prospects. Starks is an all around safety that can do it all, has outstanding instincts, athleticism, coverage skills and run stopping ability. Bowman has terrific closing speed, is solid in coverage but takes bad angles and is a Ji'Ayir Brown level tackler in the open field.

I wouldn't be upset at either one, especially since both add vital coverage ability that the current group of safeties lacks in but Starks is more like a box safety that can actually play centerfield too.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by Butter:
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/positions/S/1/2025

Malaki Starks Summary

Scouting Report: SummaryStarks enters the NFL as one of the draft's most pro-ready run defenders from the safety position. His elite tackling grades and remarkable consistency against the run will translate immediately to the next level, while his coverage skills offer a solid foundation to build upon.

His best fit comes with teams that heavily involve their safeties in run support and rely on split-safety zone coverage concepts. While his man coverage abilities are developing, his elite run defense instincts and reliable tackling make him an immediate three-down starter who can impact the game primarily in the box and intermediate zones.

Projecting forward, Starks has the physical tools and football IQ to develop into a complete safety as his coverage skills catch up to his elite run-defense ability. Smart defensive coordinators will maximize his strengths early by deploying him as an aggressive box defender while allowing his coverage game to evolve naturally within their scheme.

Vs.

Billy Bowman Summary

Scouting Report: Summary
A versatile defensive back with elite ball skills, Bowman fits best in multiple coverage schemes that maximize his instincts and range. His size limitations may restrict certain matchups, but positional flexibility compensates. Bowman's turnover creation ability and special teams value make him an attractive day two target.

Scheme fits favoring Bowman include pattern-match zones and disguised coverages, allowing him to read and react. His experience at safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators multiple personnel options. While tackling technique needs refinement, Bowman's closing speed and willingness in run support are assets in the right system.

Bowman's game-changing interception skills and return ability elevate his draft stock. Teams emphasizing defensive playmaking and versatile defensive backs will value his potential impact, both in sub-packages and as a future starter.

Different caliber of prospects. Starks is an all around safety that can do it all, has outstanding instincts, athleticism, coverage skills and run stopping ability. Bowman has terrific closing speed, is solid in coverage but takes bad angles and is a Ji'Ayir Brown level tackler in the open field.

I wouldn't be upset at either one, especially since both add vital coverage ability that the current group of safeties lacks in but Starks is more like a box safety that can actually play centerfield too.

Great inputs. I am one of the Oline first enthusiasts, but any time there's a chance for a true center fielder, it's worth considering.

It looks like there are a couple safety options later in this year's draft.

Originally posted by Butter:
Great inputs. I am one of the Oline first enthusiasts, but any time there's a chance for a true center fielder, it's worth considering.

It looks like there are a couple safety options later in this year's draft.

I am hearing that Saleh wants to improve speed on defense. Man Niners have so many holes but could Niners take Starks at 11?

Originally posted by bigpete50:

Originally posted by Butter:
Great inputs. I am one of the Oline first enthusiasts, but any time there's a chance for a true center fielder, it's worth considering.

It looks like there are a couple safety options later in this year's draft.

I am hearing that Saleh wants to improve speed on defense. Man Niners have so many holes but could Niners take Starks at 11?

Was on board with it, but this safety class looks to be stacked with comparable players. Boils down to BPA

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
Was on board with it, but this safety class looks to be stacked with comparable players. Boils down to BPA

It really is stacked. Secondary and DL class. Bolds really well for us and I hope we take advantage in a way that we didn't take advantage of the OL class last draft

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Different caliber of prospects. Starks is an all around safety that can do it all, has outstanding instincts, athleticism, coverage skills and run stopping ability. Bowman has terrific closing speed, is solid in coverage but takes bad angles and is a Ji'Ayir Brown level tackler in the open field.

I wouldn't be upset at either one, especially since both add vital coverage ability that the current group of safeties lacks in but Starks is more like a box safety that can actually play centerfield too.

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
Was on board with it, but this safety class looks to be stacked with comparable players. Boils down to BPA

It really is stacked. Secondary and DL class. Bolds really well for us and I hope we take advantage in a way that we didn't take advantage of the OL class last draft

I was reading/watching and said Bowman looks damn good.... and see you guys were already on it. I would not mind Starks as previously mentioned, but the value may be elsewhere at 11 even if he is there knowing safeties in middle rounds aren't a massive drop off from him.

Based on reporting the Niners want more speed at FS, it looks like a few options may be worth considering

1. Malaki Starks 4.35
2. Andrew Mukuba 4.33
3. Billy Bowman 4.38

Originally posted by Butter:
Based on reporting the Niners want more speed at FS, it looks like a few options may be worth considering

1. Malaki Starks 4.35
2. Andrew Mukuba 4.33
3. Billy Bowman 4.38

The athletic ability is there, but they aren't in the same class. Gotta add an elite prospect at 11. I do love they want to add some speed though.

I wouldn't mind it.

Originally posted by LifelongNiner:

Originally posted by Butter:
Based on reporting the Niners want more speed at FS, it looks like a few options may be worth considering

1. Malaki Starks 4.35
2. Andrew Mukuba 4.33
3. Billy Bowman 4.38

The athletic ability is there, but they aren't in the same class. Gotta add an elite prospect at 11. I do love they want to add some speed though.

Comparing NFL Draft Buzz profile on all three players. Truth in lending, I do not get to watch much college football, so working off the "experts".

I am looking specially at the Overall and specific Rating on the page.

Starks
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Malaki-Starks-DB-Georgia

QB Rating When targeted: 88.6
Tackling:
94%
Run Defense:
94%
Coverage:
81%
Zone:
80%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 1st

Mukuba
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andrew-Mukuba-S-Clemson

QB Rating When targeted: 38.7
Tackling:
73%
Run Defense:
85%
Coverage:
99%
Zone:
96%
Man/Press:
98%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 2nd - Late

Bowman
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Billy-Bowman-DB-Oklahoma

QB Rating When targeted: 74.0
Tackling:
50%
Run Defense:
70%
Coverage:
78%
Zone:
74%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th

According to this sites ratings, it looks like Starks is much better in the box/tackling and Mukuba is much better in coverage.

I'm not anti Stark, but I am interested in getting a starting FS in a later round

Originally posted by Butter:

Comparing NFL Draft Buzz profile on all three players. Truth in lending, I do not get to watch much college football, so working off the "experts".

I am looking specially at the Overall and specific Rating on the page.

Starks
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Malaki-Starks-DB-Georgia

QB Rating When targeted: 88.6
Tackling:
94%
Run Defense:
94%
Coverage:
81%
Zone:
80%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 1st

Mukuba
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andrew-Mukuba-S-Clemson

QB Rating When targeted: 38.7
Tackling:
73%
Run Defense:
85%
Coverage:
99%
Zone:
96%
Man/Press:
98%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 2nd - Late

Bowman
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Billy-Bowman-DB-Oklahoma

QB Rating When targeted: 74.0
Tackling:
50%
Run Defense:
70%
Coverage:
78%
Zone:
74%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th

According to this sites ratings, it looks like Starks is much better in the box/tackling and Mukuba is much better in coverage.

I'm not anti Stark, but I am interested in getting a starting FS in a later round

The only stat that matter in that analysis is tacking.

the coverage stats are so subjective they can only be taken with a grain of salt. ex. Did Starks face much better competition as compared to Bowman? Was he tasked with covering better receivers etc? Probably. What would his coverage rating be covering weaker players?

Comparing Starks to Bowman or Mukuba is comparing apples to oranges. They aren't in the same class.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by Butter:
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/positions/S/1/2025

Malaki Starks Summary

Scouting Report: SummaryStarks enters the NFL as one of the draft's most pro-ready run defenders from the safety position. His elite tackling grades and remarkable consistency against the run will translate immediately to the next level, while his coverage skills offer a solid foundation to build upon.

His best fit comes with teams that heavily involve their safeties in run support and rely on split-safety zone coverage concepts. While his man coverage abilities are developing, his elite run defense instincts and reliable tackling make him an immediate three-down starter who can impact the game primarily in the box and intermediate zones.

Projecting forward, Starks has the physical tools and football IQ to develop into a complete safety as his coverage skills catch up to his elite run-defense ability. Smart defensive coordinators will maximize his strengths early by deploying him as an aggressive box defender while allowing his coverage game to evolve naturally within their scheme.

Vs.

Billy Bowman Summary

Scouting Report: Summary
A versatile defensive back with elite ball skills, Bowman fits best in multiple coverage schemes that maximize his instincts and range. His size limitations may restrict certain matchups, but positional flexibility compensates. Bowman's turnover creation ability and special teams value make him an attractive day two target.

Scheme fits favoring Bowman include pattern-match zones and disguised coverages, allowing him to read and react. His experience at safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators multiple personnel options. While tackling technique needs refinement, Bowman's closing speed and willingness in run support are assets in the right system.

Bowman's game-changing interception skills and return ability elevate his draft stock. Teams emphasizing defensive playmaking and versatile defensive backs will value his potential impact, both in sub-packages and as a future starter.

Different caliber of prospects. Starks is an all around safety that can do it all, has outstanding instincts, athleticism, coverage skills and run stopping ability. Bowman has terrific closing speed, is solid in coverage but takes bad angles and is a Ji'Ayir Brown level tackler in the open field.

I wouldn't be upset at either one, especially since both add vital coverage ability that the current group of safeties lacks in but Starks is more like a box safety that can actually play centerfield too.

Think I'm with you now Phoenix on Starks at #11 as long as he tests well in the 40 and runs fast lol. He'll prob kill all the drills and agility tests.

Could be the right play here. Then go EDGE/DL in the 2nd and then grab another DL and OL in the 3rd.

Malachi and Malik at FS and SS for the next 5+ years has a nice ring to it. Plus Starks has a good chance to actually be there at #11 and may be BPA at #11 as well which I liiiikke.

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:

Originally posted by Butter:

Comparing NFL Draft Buzz profile on all three players. Truth in lending, I do not get to watch much college football, so working off the "experts".

I am looking specially at the Overall and specific Rating on the page.

Starks
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Malaki-Starks-DB-Georgia

QB Rating When targeted: 88.6
Tackling:
94%
Run Defense:
94%
Coverage:
81%
Zone:
80%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 1st

Mukuba
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Andrew-Mukuba-S-Clemson

QB Rating When targeted: 38.7
Tackling:
73%
Run Defense:
85%
Coverage:
99%
Zone:
96%
Man/Press:
98%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 2nd - Late

Bowman
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Billy-Bowman-DB-Oklahoma

QB Rating When targeted: 74.0
Tackling:
50%
Run Defense:
70%
Coverage:
78%
Zone:
74%
Man/Press:
77%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th

According to this sites ratings, it looks like Starks is much better in the box/tackling and Mukuba is much better in coverage.

I'm not anti Stark, but I am interested in getting a starting FS in a later round

The only stat that matter in that analysis is tacking.

the coverage stats are so subjective they can only be taken with a grain of salt. ex. Did Starks face much better competition as compared to Bowman? Was he tasked with covering better receivers etc? Probably. What would his coverage rating be covering weaker players?

Comparing Starks to Bowman or Mukuba is comparing apples to oranges. They aren't in the same class.

Like I said, I don't watch many college games. But all three played in the SEC from major programs. Mukuba had 5 ints this year, Bowman had 6 ints last year. It's not like are slubs.

You may right, Starks may be a generational talent. But if the Niners can get a ball hawking safety in rounds 2-4, there is still value there.

Originally posted by Butter:

Like I said, I don't watch many college games. But all three played in the SEC from major programs. Mukuba had 5 ints this year, Bowman had 6 ints last year. It's not like are slubs.

You may right, Starks may be a generational talent. But if the Niners can get a ball hawking safety in rounds 2-4, there is still value there.

I keep selecting Moore in the later rounds in my PFF mock draft but per this article he'll probably go in 2 or 3, especially if he crushes the combine (if he goes):