Miami Dolphins Eye Malaki Starks in 2025 NFL Draft to Bolster Safety Position
As the Miami Dolphins continue their pursuit of playoff contention, one area of their roster stands out as a potential weak point—safety. With two of their current starting safeties set to hit free agency, the Dolphins may look to shore up this position in the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the Dolphins may target Malaki Starks, a highly-rated safety from the University of Georgia, as their answer to filling this void.
Starks, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, has the physical tools to make an immediate impact at the next level. The sophomore safety has already made a name for himself in college football, earning accolades for his elite combination of size, speed, and football IQ.
As the 2025 draft approaches, Starks is widely regarded as the top safety prospect, with Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranking him as the best player at his position and the seventh-best prospect overall.
In just his sophomore season, Starks displayed exceptional ball skills and playmaking ability, recording key interceptions and showcasing his versatility in the defensive backfield. His performances have solidified his status as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
What stands out about Starks is his ability to read offenses and make timely decisions, whether it’s breaking up passes or providing run support. His instincts, combined with his physical traits, make him a formidable safety capable of excelling in both zone and man coverage schemes.
For the Dolphins, adding a player of Starks’ caliber would significantly strengthen their secondary. With both veteran safeties, Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones, set to become free agents, Miami’s defense could greatly benefit from a young, dynamic player like Starks. His addition would not only provide stability but also elevate the overall talent and depth of the Dolphins’ defensive backfield.
The Dolphins have invested heavily in their offense, building around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and explosive playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, their defense remains a critical component of their championship aspirations.
By securing a top-tier safety like Starks, Miami would be making a strong statement about their commitment to improving the defensive side of the ball.
While the Dolphins have several needs to address in the draft, selecting a versatile and playmaking safety like Malaki Starks could be a game-changer.
If he is available when Miami is on the clock, it would be a difficult decision to pass on a player who has the potential to become a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.