2025 NFL Combine: Ranking Malaki Starks and the top five safeties ahead of the combine

Malaki Starks, the standout safety from Georgia, has been projected as a top-five draft pick since the opening week of his freshman campaign.

A highly-touted five-star prospect from the 2022 recruiting class, Starks immediately secured a starting role in Georgia's secondary. In the very first quarter of his collegiate debut, he picked off Bo Nix, announcing his arrival on the big stage in emphatic fashion.

Since that eye-catching moment, Starks has consistently ranked among the elite and most effective safeties in college football. Heading into this season, he was already considered one of the premier talents for the 2025 NFL Draft.

His stat sheet from last season speaks volumes—Starks racked up 73 tackles, defended three passes, and snagged an interception. His highlight-reel pick against Clemson showcased his athleticism, while his performance against Auburn offered a mix of highs and learning moments.

In 2024, Emmanwori recorded 83 tackles, broke up two passes, and snagged four interceptions—two of which he returned for touchdowns. He notched a pick-six against Kentucky, followed by another score off an interception versus Oklahoma.

He also had a spectacular 102-yard touchdown return against LSU, though that effort was nullified by a questionable penalty.

Emmanwori boasts an outstanding skill set, combining sharp coverage abilities with the physical traits of a bigger safety. He's quick, aggressive, and has sharp instincts. A rare athletic specimen, his blend of speed, awareness, and physicality consistently sets him apart on the field.

Xavier Watts tallied 83 tackles, six interceptions, nine pass breakups, and forced a fumble. Always around the action, Watts delivered numerous game-changing plays for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Finding a safety with sharper coverage instincts than Watts would be a tall order.

The two-time All-American notched 13 interceptions over his last two seasons—more than any other FBS player in that stretch.

For teams seeking a reliable presence in single-high coverage, Watts makes a compelling case as the top safety prospect.

Mukuba has 55 tackles, four interceptions, and six passes broken up. He was superb in Texas' remarkable road triumph over Michigan. He's a seasoned, athletic, instinctive, and aggressive safety prospect.

With quick, light feet and fluid hips, Mukuba maintains a compact backpedal and can change direction with ease. His speed allows him to gain depth swiftly in zone coverage and cover ground effectively as a true single-high safety, while his agility makes him capable of handling man-to-man assignments.

A sharp defender with a solid grasp of route concepts, Mukuba reads plays well and navigates traffic designed to throw him off.

His rapid reaction time and aggressive mindset make him a force against both the run and the pass.

He keeps his eyes on the backfield, breaking on the ball with sharp anticipation, allowing him to close in quickly and deliver impactful hits. Mukuba also boasts strong ball skills, tracking passes effectively in the air and disrupting catches with his physical play.

Sebastien Castro emerged on the NFL Draft radar following a stellar 2023 campaign, earning a PFF defensive grade of 91.2. While his production dipped slightly in 2024, he remained a crucial piece of Iowa’s formidable defense. In his senior year, Castro recorded 47 tackles across 12 games, finishing with a PFF run defense grade of 76.2.

A tough, run-focused safety with positional flexibility, Castro operated in multiple roles within Iowa’s defensive scheme. Often deployed in the box and as a nickel defender, he showcases a high football IQ and a physical brand of play. His ability to engage blockers and fight through contact makes him a reliable force in run defense.

Castro thrives when playing downhill, reacting quickly to run plays and consistently taking efficient angles to the ball. His relentless motor and aggressive approach allow him to take on blockers with confidence, using strong hand technique to shed them and create disruption.