The Draft Week Thread!

[mdb1958]

Your tendency to tell people what to do…

Has it worked once?

They should put up Winfield's speeds in those drills.

[Phantom]

I’m hoping the Bucs move up to draft an elite cornerback because we desperately need one.

We also need a defense end, but I don’t believe Campbell is the answer due to the injury.. Also I don’t think he’s that good

[mdb1958]

I’m hoping the Bucs move up to draft an elite cornerback because we desperately need one.

We also need a defense end, but I don’t believe Campbell is the answer due to the injury.. Also I don’t think he’s that good

The CB's are injured too.

[Phantom]

Some experts believe that Will Johnson’s draft stock is slipping. If that’s true, Bucs need to move up to draft him. 10-15

What Graham said about Campbell in another thread was accurate. Campbell is injury-prone and 2nd round pick best.

More info on torn labrum

https://sicscore.com/news/can-you-play- ... orn-labrum

[Grahamburn]

Some experts believe that Will Johnson’s draft stock is slipping. If that’s true, Bucs need to move up to draft him. 10-15

What Graham said about Campbell in another thread was accurate. Campbell is injury-prone and 2nd round pick best.

More info on torn labrum

https://sicscore.com/news/can-you-play- ... orn-labrum

He has injured both shoulders and has previous injuries to both knees. He's not a player I'm risking it on in the first round.

[Grahamburn]

Your tendency to tell people what to do…

Has it worked once?

They should put up Winfield's speeds in those drills.

It was really just pointing out his top speeds were higher than any other safety in those drills to combat his "lower" testing numbers.

[mdb1958]

They should put up Winfield's speeds in those drills.

It was really just pointing out his top speeds were higher than any other safety in those drills to combat his "lower" testing numbers.

You mean like Nohl Williams 4.5 is slow and Starks 4.5 is the greatest ever. How many took all those drills?

[Sdbucs]

"In summary, there’s a moderate correlation between college football injuries and NFL injury proneness, particularly for specific injury types like knee or shoulder issues."

Some players are just injury prone. We see it in the NFL. Would steer clear with our first rounder ideally

[__Chef__]

Georgia defensive back Malaki Stars is the best player at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. A versatile do-it-all defender, Starks wore multiple hats for Kirby Smart’s elite defense. It makes him an especially pro-ready prospect who will make an immediate impact as an instant starter and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

Starks recently spoke with The Draft Network about growing up in Jefferson, Georgia and developing at the local high school. From there, the Georgia standout and I got into a deep X's and O's conversation about his versatile role and fit as a true do-it-all defender. Starks walked us through every position he played at Georgia from “MONEY” linebacker to special teams, defending the nickel, playing man and zone coverage, and so much more.

An NFL franchise would be extremely fortunate to draft Starks with a first-round pick on Thursday.

JM: What was life like growing up in Jefferson, Georgia? It’s a fairly small town with a population of roughly 15,000.

Malaki Starks: It was fun. It was different, but fun. Being from a small town, everybody knows everybody. I had a really good group of friends despite growing up in a small town. Jefferson, Georgia has a family-like vibe about it. It’s a special place.

JM: You continued to develop as a football player at the local high school. The town played a role in your success. You got to Georgia and contributed as a true freshman in 2022, being nominated for Freshman of the Year. What was it about your mentality that allowed you to play such a crucial role from a young age?

Malaki Starks: It was all about my mindset and how I approach the game of football. I was adaptable and able to move around as needed. My first starting job was at “MONEY” linebacker in the dime package.

By the second game, I had already won the starting safety job. I had the right mindset. I wanted to play and I didn’t care where I played. I played a lot of special teams my freshman year. Heck, I was still playing special teams in my second and third seasons.

My freshman year, before the season started, it looked like it was going to strictly be special teams. It didn’t bother me. That was the right mindset. As long as I was contributing somehow, I was okay with it.

JM: I go through that room that year, you also learned from older veterans like Kelee Ringo and Kamari Lassiter. How did iron sharpen iron for you over the years, especially in your early formative years?

Malaki Starks: Just being in a position room like that with all those older guys, I learned from them and soaked up that knowledge. At the same time, I wanted to compete. Just like we competed against the offense in practice, we competed against one another as well.

It gave our room a certain type of edge. That was the case throughout my three seasons at Georgia. I always carried that competitiveness with me. We always talked about healthy competition. We learned and competed. It made me who I am.

JM: You’ve had so many amazing teammates throughout the years and experienced so many incredible moments. I think that 2023 National Championship triumph will probably be one memory you always put above everything else. What’s your biggest takeaway from that year?

Malaki Starks: I’ll always remember what it took to get there. When you look at it, the older guys were telling us this doesn’t happen every year. To me, as a young player at the time, I didn’t believe them. That’s all we knew at the time, was to win and get to the Natty. It felt normal to us at the time. As time went by, I learned that it’s not normal and it doesn’t happen every year. I’ll always cherish the memories we created.

We also lost a very dear teammate that year [Devin Willock]. I had grown very close with him. We had this thing called ‘skull sessions’ and I got very close to him as I got to know him better. That’s why I’ll always remember that year as being a very special one.

JM: That really is special. When I turn the tape on, I see the most versatile defensive back in the 2025 NFL Draft. You’ve played a ton of nickel, deep safety, boundary corner, inside the box. How did you become such a versatile defender?

Malaki Starks: I think it goes back to my mindset and my athletic ability. I’m super aggressive. At the end of the day, I’m always going to bet on myself. It doesn’t matter who’s across from me. I like me.

Like I said, I had designs on playing right away as a freshman. It didn’t matter which position I had to play. I just wanted to play. That mentality kept me open minded when it came to learning different positions.

That approach is how I learned money [linebacker]. After I learned safety, I still knew what the linebacker was supposed to do on every play. Then I can learn how to play “STAR” and I knew what the safeties and cornerbacks were doing.

I kept an open mind from the start. That mindset allowed me to take my game to new heights.

JM: Do teams potentially see you playing boundary corner at the next level? I've heard some whispers.

Malaki Starks: Some of the teams have talked about me playing boundary corner, yeah. There are teams who want me to strictly play corner. At the end of the day, I like to compete. I’m just waiting for my shot.

It doesn’t matter where they put me. I just need to get my foot in the door. It doesn’t matter where they put me. I’m going to produce at a high level. I’m just waiting for my shot to contribute.

JM: The tape proves it. Does Malaki Starks prefer to play man or zone coverage? Which one did you play more of at Georgia?

Malaki Starks: I think both man and zone coverage, really. I say that because my first two years at Georgia, we were a heavy press-man defense. We were very aggressive in press-man coverage.

As our personnel changed, we developed into more of a zone team. I have both in my back pocket. We transitioned to that zone defense in my last season. I think it really helped me because that’s a scheme that’s very commonly played throughout the league.

You look across the league right now and there’s a lot of zone coverage. I have experience with both coverages. That’s going to help me a lot at the next level.

JM: I’ll put you in a scenario then. Say it’s 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. It’s an obvious passing down. Would you rather be manned up or playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball near the sticks?

Malaki Starks: If it’s third-and-long with the game on the line, I’m playing man coverage. Let’s man up (laughs).

JM: You had so many amazing teammates at Georgia. I have to put you on the spot. If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?

Malaki Starks: Jalon Walker. Hands down. We were roommates my freshman year. We came in together. We’re super close. That’s like my brother. I know the type of player and leader he is. We were both voted team captains this past year.

We sat down together as freshmen and talked about our goals and mapped out the future. To see the work he’s put in, I know the type of family person he is.

We went to eight overtimes together against Georgia Tech. After each one, we found each other, patted each other on the helmet and said let’s get back to work. I know he’s going to be right there with me when it gets thick. I never have to question that.

JM: I absolutely love that. You've been busy in recent weeks. Have you completed any pre-draft visits and do you have more of them coming up?

Malaki Starks: It’s been crazy in the best way possible (laughs). I’ve spoken with guys who don’t have any visits, or aren’t doing any Zooms. I’ve been thankful through the Zooms and visits to have met with all 32 teams. We’re all exploring the options.

Teams are getting a feel for me and I’m getting a feel for them. I’m thankful.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. I’ve really appreciated your time today. This conversation has highlighted why Malaki Starks is the best safety in the 2025 NFL Draft. What is a team getting when they select Malaki Starks in the first round on Thursday?

Malaki Starks: The biggest thing you’re getting is a leader. I come from a program that instilled discipline. I understand what it takes to win a lot of games. I’m a great teammate who does things the right way.

I love football because I love the game. Some guys love football because they love what it brings them. I just love football because I love to compete.

You’re getting a versatile defensive back. I know I’m labeled as a “safety” but I’m an all-around defensive back at the end of the day. I can line up anywhere and play with anybody. I carry that confidence.

I’m going to end up exactly where I’m supposed to go. I can’t wait to land with the right team.

[mdb1958]

@__Chef__

It may be true on what this person wrote.
It also may be true that this guy get free dinner at Joes diner for 2025.

[__Chef__]

@__Chef__

It may be true on what this person wrote.
It also may be true that this guy get free dinner at Joes diner for 2025.

It's an interview with Starks. He may be lying in the interview, but I assume the answers are Starks'.

[mdb1958]

Justin Melo - perk machine

[Grahamburn]

It was really just pointing out his top speeds were higher than any other safety in those drills to combat his "lower" testing numbers.

You mean like Nohl Williams 4.5 is slow and Starks 4.5 is the greatest ever. How many took all those drills?

Some guys are football fast.

[Grahamburn]

@__Chef__

It may be true on what this person wrote.
It also may be true that this guy get free dinner at Joes diner for 2025.

It's an interview with Starks. He may be lying in the interview, but I assume the answers are Starks'.

Transcript of the link I posted earlier. Thanks.

Really on board with Starks.

[Sdbucs]

Looks much better than Ezeiruaku vs better competition.

Happy with JPJ, Green, or Stewart at 19.

I'm convinced he's going to make defensive coordinators look smart on passing downs from day one. His USC game was a masterclass in pass rush setup - watching him euro-step outside then explode inside against their right tackle three times showed the kind of sophisticated rush planning that translates immediately. The real eye-opener came against Alabama, where he consistently pressed the pocket against their NFL-caliber tackles despite giving up 50+ pounds.

The tape against Ohio State and Washington revealed his limitations - when teams committed to running at him with double teams and power schemes, he struggled to maintain his ground. But his response to these challenges spoke volumes about his football character. Even after getting washed out early, he kept fighting and adjusted his attack angles, eventually forcing crucial pressures in both fourth quarters. This mental toughness and adaptability remind me of what made Haason Reddick successful despite similar size concerns.

[Cheb]

You mean like Nohl Williams 4.5 is slow and Starks 4.5 is the greatest ever. How many took all those drills?

Some guys are football fast.

Agreed.

There was some behind the scenes thing I was watching with Sean McVay, and one reason the Rams liked Puka Nacua is that while his 40 wasn't the fastest by a long shot, his speed while running through drills at the combine was among the best in his class.

Football speed >>> track speed

[mdb1958]

You mean like Nohl Williams 4.5 is slow and Starks 4.5 is the greatest ever. How many took all those drills?

Some guys are football fast.

Start learning how to navigate the next gen website, I even found a category where Nohl Williams ranked high.

Keep in mind I have not said Starks is a bad player at all. They even have a top acceleration category.

[Grahamburn]

Looks much better than Ezeiruaku vs better competition.

Happy with JPJ, Green, or Stewart at 19.

I'm convinced he's going to make defensive coordinators look smart on passing downs from day one. His USC game was a masterclass in pass rush setup - watching him euro-step outside then explode inside against their right tackle three times showed the kind of sophisticated rush planning that translates immediately. The real eye-opener came against Alabama, where he consistently pressed the pocket against their NFL-caliber tackles despite giving up 50+ pounds.

The tape against Ohio State and Washington revealed his limitations - when teams committed to running at him with double teams and power schemes, he struggled to maintain his ground. But his response to these challenges spoke volumes about his football character. Even after getting washed out early, he kept fighting and adjusted his attack angles, eventually forcing crucial pressures in both fourth quarters. This mental toughness and adaptability remind me of what made Haason Reddick successful despite similar size concerns.

I have wondered why he isn’t rated higher.

[__Chef__]

I have wondered why he isn’t rated higher.

ssshhhhhhh ....

[Doctor]

Really? Trying to being draft talk to the poor people in TD forum for a couple of days before the big event and y'all stick it back in the Draft forum?

This board doesn't have so much activity that we need such strict partitioning...

[Doctor]

Don't want draft talk cluttering up the 3 active threads in TD....

[Doctor]

[Sdbucs]

Looks much better than Ezeiruaku vs better competition.

Happy with JPJ, Green, or Stewart at 19.

I have wondered why he isn’t rated higher.

I really like watching DE film before the draft because it's the one position where I feel like you can get a feel very quick for their speed, motor, production, etc. The top DEs in football get to the QB and get to the QB quick. They show speed/power/motor to pressure the OL consistently.

I can't for the life of me understand why I'm seeing Shemar Stewart, Princely Umanmielen, Nic Scourton, Landon Jackson, Mykel Williams, are getting rated higher than him. These guys don't do any of that.

Carter, Pierce Jr., Green, Stewart, Ezeiruaku and David Walker (vs. weak talent) are the only Edge prospects I've watched so far who play with this type of style.

My tiers would be Carter, Pierce Jr./Green/Stewart, Ezeirauku/Walker

[Kona]

1st: Donovan Ezeiruaku
2nd: Darien Porter
3rd: Demetrious Knight Jr.

Would love that

[mdb1958]

Some guys are football fast.

Start learning how to navigate the next gen website, I even found a category where Nohl Williams ranked high.

Keep in mind I have not said Starks is a bad player at all. They even have a top acceleration category.

My bad! It's this website.

https://www.nfl.com/combine/iq/

[mdb1958]

For our 2nd pick I keep having this problem of choosing Darius Alexander or Darien Porter.

I keep picking Alexander, but I'd like both.

[Grahamburn]

For our 2nd pick I keep having this problem of choosing Darius Alexander or Darien Porter.

I keep picking Alexander, but I'd like both.

Who’d you pick in the first round, GMdb?!

[mdb1958]

Some experts believe that Will Johnson’s draft stock is slipping. If that’s true, Bucs need to move up to draft him. 10-15

What Graham said about Campbell in another thread was accurate. Campbell is injury-prone and 2nd round pick best.

More info on torn labrum

https://sicscore.com/news/can-you-play- ... orn-labrum

He has injured both shoulders and has previous injuries to both knees. He's not a player I'm risking it on in the first round.

This is good info, glad you found it.

[mdb1958]

For our 2nd pick I keep having this problem of choosing Darius Alexander or Darien Porter.

I keep picking Alexander, but I'd like both.

Who’d you pick in the first round, GMdb?!

I'd trade back then choose - unless I see something that forces me to think about it. A tough choice would be Emman or Mike Green. If I trade back there will be someone to be happy with.

[mdb1958]

@Grahamburn

According to that data center Rakim Jarrett and Trey Palmer have a faster MPH than Mathew Golden.

Not sure if that could be misleading or not.

[mdb1958]

I have wondered why he isn’t rated higher.

I really like watching DE film before the draft because it's the one position where I feel like you can get a feel very quick for their speed, motor, production, etc. The top DEs in football get to the QB and get to the QB quick. They show speed/power/motor to pressure the OL consistently.

I can't for the life of me understand why I'm seeing Shemar Stewart, Princely Umanmielen, Nic Scourton, Landon Jackson, Mykel Williams, are getting rated higher than him. These guys don't do any of that.

Carter, Pierce Jr., Green, Stewart, Ezeiruaku and David Walker (vs. weak talent) are the only Edge prospects I've watched so far who play with this type of style.

My tiers would be Carter, Pierce Jr./Green/Stewart, Ezeirauku/Walker

I can't for the life of me understand why I'm seeing Shemar Stewart, Princely Umanmielen, Nic Scourton, Landon Jackson, Mykel Williams, are getting rated higher than him. These guys don't do any of that.



Containment on the edge.




With Walker, I only see two ways to get him. Trade down in the 1st or pick him in the 3rd - but then you are passing on Demetrius Knight Jr.

With only 6 picks we are not going to get to test the waters with many so many prospects.

[mdb1958]

I guess from doing these sims I shouldnt be amazed that Carolina and Atlanta like the players that I've been looking at.

[Doctor]

Always. Never fail to see a draft crush go to a rival.

[BucsNBills]

Starks, Barron, and Will Johnson are all on the board still at 19, who do you pull the trigger on?

I think id have to go with Barron so we can have our own Brian Branch.

[Snake]

Don’t need a LOS safety. Need a true coverage safety who is comfortable going backwards to contest balls.

And yeah, taking the best available corner would also be hard to pass up. if you have a first round grade on him.