The Indianapolis Colts, sitting above .500 with a 4-3 record after their Week 7 victory against the Miami Dolphins, are keeping their sights set on the 2024 season. Despite focusing on the current season, the Colts are also looking ahead to potential moves in the NFL Draft. A recent mock draft by A to Z Sports, which includes input from several NFL Draft analysts, projected that the Colts would select one of the top defensive players expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft—Georgia safety Malaki Starks.
With the 13th overall pick, based on Vegas Super Bowl odds for the mock draft order, the Colts chose Starks, a versatile and highly-rated safety prospect. The reasoning behind this pick largely stems from the potential departure of veteran safety Julian Blackmon, who is set to become a free agent after this season. This left a clear path for Starks to fill a possible void in the Colts’ secondary. Known as the top safety in the 2025 draft class, Starks has the ability to play both free safety and strong safety, offering flexibility to any NFL defense.
In his third season with the Georgia Bulldogs, Starks has demonstrated consistent production and reliability in coverage. This season, he has been targeted 21 times, allowing 14 receptions for 128 yards, with zero touchdowns surrendered and one interception. His three-season collegiate career has seen him targeted 95 times, with 54 receptions allowed for 638 yards and four touchdowns. This versatility and effectiveness, particularly as a free safety, make Starks an appealing prospect for the Colts.
Starks’ skill set would likely be a perfect fit for the Colts, especially if Blackmon were to leave in free agency. His ability to line up as a free safety or shift into the box, along with his experience covering slot receivers, offers the Colts flexibility in their defensive schemes. Although the Colts considered other positions such as cornerback, tight end, and defensive line in this mock draft, Starks stood out as the best available player at a position of need.
Currently projected to be a top 15 or even top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, landing a player of Starks’ caliber would be seen as a significant win for Indianapolis. His addition would bolster the Colts’ secondary, particularly in replacing a key veteran like Blackmon, and help solidify their defensive unit for the future.
