Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since it’s never too early to look forward to the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. For example, we won’t be looking at any of the top quarterback prospects in the hope that the team won’t be in the market for a franchise guy come April. This week, our profile will focus on Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks.
The Bulldogs dominance on defense has translated into countless former Georgia defenders playing on Sundays (most of them for the Eagles, lately). Starks is the next big defensive prospect for the Bulldogs. The 6’1″, 205 lbs safety has the size, athleticism, and instincts that has teams excited about his NFL prospects. Even as a true freshman, Starks tallied 68 tackles, two picks, and seven passes defended en route to another UGA national title. Starks has played all over the complex Georgia defense, from single high safety to man coverage nickel and everything in between. His versatility and blend of good run defense and fantastic pass coverage earned him a First Team All-American spot last season. He even started this year hot, already notching an interception. Starks projects to be an instant impact player for whatever defense he ends up on. While the Panthers are quite deep at safety, Xavier Woods and Nick Scott will both be 30 before the start of the 2025 season. If the Panthers do want to get younger and more electric at the position, Starks could be the target near the top of the Draft.
If the Panthers do find themselves in position to take Starks in the 2025 Draft, would you want the team to take him? Sound off in the comments below!