Top draft prospect has key connection to the Bills that could make him a prime 2025 NFL Draft target for Buffalo

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Jon Helmkamp | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 7:05 PM ET

The football world isn't as big as you think, and often times, the web of connections between players, coaches, and front office personnel is a complex one. For the Buffalo Bills and safety Malaki Starks, considered by many to be the top safety in this year's draft, there's a connection that dates back to high school.

Current Bills cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, who has stops on his resume at Georgia, Miami, and Virginia Tech, among others, was the coach that recruited Starks to Georgia. The two have known each other for a long time. With the secondary a key area of focus for the Bills in this year's draft, that familiarity with one of the best prospects available could end up paying dividends.

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Unsurprisingly, the Bills spoke with Starks at the NFL Scouting Combine, which Starks was asked about.

"Yes sir it, it was good. I met with them last night. It was really good. The coaching staff is amazing. Really intense. [Bills cornerbacks] coach [Jahmille] Addae is there, he was at the University of Georgia, so I know him pretty well. Just being able to be in that room and just talk ball. I love it, it's my space."

Starks didn't test particularly well, but his on-field speed was apparent in the drills, finishing five of them with the top speed at his position. The fluidity and athleticism that he showed in all the on-field drills should more than make up for his testing numbers, but if they don't and it causes Starks to fall, he would be an instant impact safety with position versatility, plays with great technique, In incredibly smooth, and has a ton of football intelligence.

If he does make it to the Bills at 30, he's a home run pick. Starks has the upside of being an elite defender for years to come, and reuniting him with the coach that recruited him out of high school and coached him for part of his time in college would help make his transition to the NFL that much smoother.