After re-signing veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin and veteran linebacker Lavonte David, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned their attention to their defense in free agency. They obtained pass rusher Haason Reddick, cornerback Kindle Vildor and linebacker Anthony Walker in an effort to improve what was a mediocre defense in 2024.
Despite an active streak of four straight NFC South division titles, their secondary could use some improvement in order for them to go from a playoff team to a possible Super Bowl contender.
In his latest ESPN mock draft, analyst Field Yates has Tampa Bay taking Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia, with the No. 19 pick in the upcoming NFL draft (h/t Heavy Sports).
“Tampa Bay allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game last season (243.9) and desperately needs a partner for All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. at the third level of the defense,” Yates wrote. ” … Starks is a versatile, instinctive safety who is willing to help in any phase of the defense. He had plenty of snaps at Georgia covering the deep portion of the field, hovering over the slot and even walking down into the box.”
Starks played a key role in the Georgia Bulldogs winning the College Football Playoff National Championship during the 2022 season as a freshman. Last season, he posted four tackles for loss, three passes defended, one interception and 77 total tackles (52 solo).
He ran the 40-yard dash in a solid 4.5 seconds and stands 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds, which gives him the basic physical tools to excel as an NFL safety. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting report on him said he has the “football IQ and athleticism to play multiple spots” and the “size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine when the action travels deep.”
Follow The Jugo Mobile on WhatsApp
Tampa Bay finished 2024 ranked 16th in points allowed and 29th in passing yards given up. It needs to greatly improve in both areas to become anything more than a team that makes the playoffs and exits early.
