Malaki Starks Tops Deep Safety Group for 2025 NFL Draft

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks intercepts a pass intended for South Carolina running back Juju McDowell during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 17, 2022. Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal—Constitution via AP Photo

We’ve been looking at the top prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft recently. Our last breakdown looked at the top cornerback prospects, so let’s keep our eyes in the secondary and turn our attention now to the safety position.

Quarterback is the most important position on the field—for the offense. Safeties are the signal callers in the secondary for defenses, and have taken on increased importance with more use of tight ends and dime packages in the NFL. Having a good collection of safeties is critical for a defense to succeed at the next level.

The top names in the safety group for the 2025 NFL Draft come from programs that have been well-represented in recent NFL drafts and our prospect positional breakdowns. And the top name on the list will try to help Georgia return to its championship status in the College Football Playoff in the coming weeks.

Malaki Starks

Georgia 6–1, 205 48 solo tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception

Starks is likely the only first-round safety prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. During his three years at Georgia, he accumulated 124 solo tackles (194 total), 17 pass breakups and six interceptions. He checks every box NFL teams want. He has elite ball skills and great communication skills. He rarely misses tackles and has long wingspan and high-end speed. He’s a difference-maker in the back end of the secondary.

Nick Emmanwori

South Carolina 6–3, 227 54 solo tackles, 2 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 2 touchdowns

Emmanwori is a big safety who is excellent at reading the ball in the air and taking it away. He had 163 career solo tackles, 11 pass breakups, and six interceptions in three years of service for the Gamecocks. His ability to take the ball away could push him into the conversation for an early Day Two selection.

Xavier Watts

Notre Dame 6–0, 203 31 solo tackles, 8 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 5 interceptions, 1 touchdown

Watts is a ball-hawking centerfielder who collected 15 pass breakups and 12 career interceptions as a four-year contributor for Notre Dame. He’s an active safety who was credited with at least 50 total tackles in his junior and senior seasons. Watts was also credited with 1.5 sacks during his collegiate career.

Kamari Ramsey

USC 6–0, 204 39 solo tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles

Ramsey is likely a Day Two selection. He’s a smart, fast safety who can step up strong to help attack the run and is a reliable tackler. His anticipation is excellent and he’s played against some likely NFL receivers and tight ends in the Pac-12 and Big Ten during his time at UCLA and USC. Ramsey transferred to USC after two years at UCLA.

Kevin Winston, Jr.

Penn State 6–2, 205 8 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble

Winston is a physical safety who has terrific size to play both the run and the pass. He’s a very good blitzing safety as well. He could stand to put on some weight as he transitions to the next level. Winston is also likely a Day Two selection. He was limited to just two games as a junior this season.

Sebastian Castro

Iowa 5–11, 205 38 solo tackles, 1 pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception

If you’re looking for a safety to lock up tight ends at the next level, Castro is proficient. He’s a heavy tackler who is rarely out of position and plays a very smart game. He’s also very good against the run. While his size doesn’t stand out as much as others on our list, he was credited with 14 career pass breakups, five forced fumbles, two sacks, and four interceptions for Iowa.