The Georgia Bulldogs restock and reload this time of year like an annual tradition, as it is time to send more of Head Coach Kirby Smart’s homegrown defenders to the first round of the NFL Draft. 

In a short, easy summary, we wrap up the #1 Safety, #2 Edge, and #6 EDGE on my 2025 NFL Draft Board. All three Bulldogs are in my top 15 overall.

Malaki Starks, Defensive Back

Malaki Starks’ early NFL Draft declaration was made with the guidance and experience of 42 starts in just three seasons under University of Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart. A five-star recruit from Georgia, Starks is an All-American and a National Championship winner.

Starks’s impressive speed and agility allow him to keep up with downfield receivers. Additionally, he demonstrates the discipline needed to stay in phase with them. His change of direction and aggressive ball-hawking landed Starks 4 interceptions from 2023-2024.

One of the most impressive aspects is his commitment to effective physical tackling, utilizing his 205-pound frame while maintaining a low missed tackle rate of just 6.5% for the 2023-2024 season.

At just 21 years old during Week 1 of the NFL season, Starks demonstrates remarkable experience and maturity on and off the field, proving to be a “do it all” player. Notice I listed “Defensive Back”? Let’s do a quick snap allocation breakdown for 2023-2024:

  • 1,581 defensive snaps played
  • 28.3% of his snaps from the slot
  • 23.3% of his snaps from the box
  • 48.4% of his snaps deep, either in Cover 1 or Split.

Likely Landing Spots?

Jets, Panthers, Saints, Colts, Falcons

Player Comp?

Jevon Holland

Jalon Walker, 3-4 Edge/Blitzing WILL LB

Walker, a consensus Top 100 recruit and the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, was ranked as one of the top three linebackers in the country. A recognized breakout candidate, the Butkus Award winner showcased his 4.5-second speed. He led the team in sacks (five) in 2023, enough for Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart to transition Walker to his new NFL home: pass-rushing edge rusher.

“I feel that there was a development that I’ve always needed,” Jalon said. “I feel like that time I took learning and being able to be developed by the coaches here has helped a lot. We have great players here. But when an opportunity was presented to me, I had to capitalize on every opportunity I got.” 

Walker “gets it” as the son of Curtis Walker, a Division II All-American linebacker at Catawba College. After 11 seasons as a Defensive Coordinator for Coastal Carolina and Western Carolina grew into Walker became the head coach at Catawba. Walker’s low pad level flexibly bends the edge to be built of pure muscle.

Ask Texas NFL Draft offensive tackles Kelvin Banks and Cameron Williams how strong Walker is; he had them black and blue bruised at the breakfast table the following day. Spying Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe tells all you need to know about Walker’s ability in space, dropping in coverage, and shooting gaps as a motored-up Blitzer.

Likely Landing Spots?

NFC South

Player Comp?

Clay Matthews (Stay Calm, remember the prospect …)

Mykel Williams, EDGE

Interestingly, all three players discussed are highly sought after by the in-state Atlanta Falcons. Similar to Starks, Williams is a native Georgian and a five-star recruit. A two-time Second Team All-SEC selection, Williams has an impressive frame, exceptional length, and explosive closing speed for any NFL Draft year.

Williams does not allow his considerable stature to affect his pad level; he maintains discipline, staying low and delivering powerful blows in opposing blockers’ strike zones. There’s no rush move more effective or gnarly than a dominating bull rush. Williams will overwhelm opponents like an Oklahoma drill bull and effectively defend against runs like a brick wall.

Mykell is similar in size and projection to former Georgia Bulldog, now Jacksonville Jaguars star Travon Walker. Similarly criticized for underwhelming pass-rushing numbers at Georgia, Walker’s physical gifts earned him the #1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft despite it. He has since recorded back-to-back seasons with over 10 sacks in Jacksonville. Adding to his pass-rush toolkit is going to be exciting.

Likely Landing Spots?

Picks 8-19

Player Comp?

Jaelan Phillips

End Of My Dawgs Rant

Athens has been a breeding ground for NFL talent for over a decade. Starks, Walker, and Williams will headline another group of the league’s next stars. If history repeats itself, then one of these guys will fall and land on the Eagles.