The Indianapolis Colts address arguably their biggest need this offseason in the first round of a recent 2025 NFL mock draft.
Rob Rang of FOX Sports had the Colts selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the 14th overall pick. Starks is widely considered the top safety in this year’s draft.
And for those wondering, tight end Tyler Warren was a top-10 pick in Rang’s mock draft.
Starks’ is a do-it-all defensive back who can fill a variety of roles and has been productive both against the run and the pass.
In Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, where there is a premium on versatility, disguising coverages, and a lot can be put on the safety’s plate, Starks is an excellent fit.
He would slide right into the starting free safety role with Nick Cross continuing to be the Colts’ strong safety, playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
Throughout his career, Starks has been a very sound tackler–missing fewer than 7.0% of his career attempts, according to PFF’s metrics. In coverage, he’s allowed a completion rate of 61% with six interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
For more on Starks, here is a snippet of what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his pre-draft report:
“Three-year starter with reams of high-leverage games on his résumé. Starks is a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine when the action travels deep.”
In addition to needing improved play from the safety position, the Colts very much need depth as well with only Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo under contract for the 2025 season currently.