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Colts make strange move in a 2025 NFL mock draft by passing on bigger needs for a position they spent big on in the offseason

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 7:23 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with multiple glaring needs on their roster.

This led them to make multiple notable signings during the opening window of free agency. One of them was former Minnesota Vikings safety Cam Bynum, whom the team inked to a four-year $60 million contract. But in a new A to Z Sports mock draft, the team still targeted a safety with their first-round pick.

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Colts select Malaki Starks in a new mock draft despite signing Cam Bynum in free agency

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"Starks has been a name people have known for some time, and have gotten bored with. He also didn't play the role best for his skill set as a slot defender in 2024. When asked to make plays working from depth, Starks is special."

- New A to Z Sports mock draft

Malaki Starks is a great player who, just a year ago, was viewed as a near lock to be a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was also one of the most popular players mocked to the Colts ahead of the scouting combine and free agency. The Colts entered the offseason with a clear need at safety, with starter Julian Blackmon becoming a free agent, and Starks seemed like the best fit if they went that route.

Instead, they gave Cam Bynum a large contract to become their new starting free safety. As a result, safety is less likely to be a position the team targets early in the draft. Personally, I had my doubts that the Colts would use pick 14 on a safety even before signing Bynum. But after the move, I really don't think safety is even in consideration for the Colts in the first round.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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