Eagles Add Game Changer to Secondary in ESPN's Early 2025 Mock Draft

After their passing defense completely fell apart at the end of the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Eagles didn't leave things to chance this offseason. They selected cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with their first two picks at the 2024 NFL Draft. While it remains to be seen how these additions will pan out next season, some have already started speculating about the 2025 NFL Draft.

ESPN's Matt Miller just released an early mock draft and the Eagles are adding yet another backfield defender. With the 28th overall pick in the mock, Philadelphia selected safety Malaki Starks out of Georgia.

Eagles Draft: Philadelphia Lands S Malaki Starks on ESPN's Early 2025 Mock

Starks is entering his junior year at Georgia and projects to be an all-around safety, listed at 6'1 and 205 lbs. He was a first-team All-American after registering 52 tackles and three interceptions. Miller likened him to Kyle Hamilton in his mock draft.

The Eagles drafting yet another player out of Georgia would certainly raise some eyebrows. Over the last couple of years, Philadelphia targeted fellow Bulldogs Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo in the draft.

However, if Starks is the best player on the Eagles' board when it's their turn to draft, Philadelphia should be thrilled to select him. The Eagles currently have CJ Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship as starters at safety, with Sydney Brown providing depth and versatility, but if new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio plays three safety formations, the Eagles will need another high-level safety.

If Starks is anything close to Kyle Hamilton, he would be an easy choice who would fit seamlessly into the defensive rotation.

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