Three 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch from Georgia

Malaki Starks | Safety 

ESPN's Matt Miller on Starks: "A do-it-all safety"

Prospect ranking: PFF (No. 14), Tankathon (No. 13), Pro Football Network (No. 1)

In an absolutely loaded defensive class, Starks could prove to be the best prospect. Starks was a ball-hawking safety last season, picking off three passes and doing a great job preventing offenses from taking the top off of the defense.

Starks has had a full-time role in both of his seasons of college ball, and should be one of the most seasoned, polished defenders available in this draft class. As solid as his deep coverage skills are, Starks also is versatile. 

He has a reputation as an excellent tackler in the open field and closer to the line of scrimmage, while his run-stopping abilities are not commonly seen at the position.

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Starks has the build to stay fast, with an expected 40-yard dash time below 4.5 seconds, and also dish out hits. It's difficult to project where he'll go in the first round, as players like him will most likely go to a team that must plug a specific hole.  

Mykel Williams | Edge-rusher

ESPN's Matt Miller on Williams: "Power and a sudden first-step"

Prospect ranking: PFF (No. 65), Tankathon (No. 21), Pro Football Network (No. 33)

Williams, another two-year contributor on the Georgia defense, was less of a factor last season than he was as a freshman in 2022, but his physical tools continue to impress NFL scouts. 

At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he has the perfect build to play in the NFL. Plus, he brings surprising speed for his size and an expected 40-yard dash time around 4.6 seconds.

Given his relative lack of production — nine sacks in two seasons — this season is something of a prove-it year for Williams, who will be taking a central role in Georgia's defense. His physical tools are evident, but scouts are going to want to see refined pass-rush moves and an ability to get home to the quarterback this season. 

It's hard to understand why PFF is not as high on Williams as the rest of the industry, as the Georgia edge-rusher is considered by most to be a near-surefire first-round pick, or at worst, a selection at the beginning of the second day.

Top edge-rushers will always be in high demand, so if Williams shines this season, he'll be a high pick.