Eagles mock draft season is my second favorite season of the year. Daniel Jeremiah, who actually worked for the Eagles awhile back, is one of the best in the game when it comes to mocks.
In his most recent mock draft, DJ has the Eagles staying put at No. 32 overall to select Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks.
DJ’s brief reasoning on the Eagles pick:
The Eagles add another versatile piece to the secondary in Starks, who joins the “Georgia North” all-stars in Philadelphia.
It’s hard to figure out which direction Howie Roseman is going to go in this year during the draft. On one hand, his team is set to lose a handful of defensive lineman, leading me to think he’ll bolster his front-seven come draft night. On the other hand, adding another playmaker to this young secondary would be amazing.
A former five-star recruit and SEC standout at Georgia, Starks brings elite athleticism and physicality to Philadelphia’s secondary. His track-star speed — verified by a 4.35-second 40-yard dash — translates seamlessly to the field, where he racked up 77 tackles and earned a Jim Thorpe Award finalist nod in 2024.
Starks shines as a run defender, processing plays at lightning speed and closing with punishing force. His ability to mirror backs in space and shed blockers with powerful hands makes him a disruptive force near the line of scrimmage. While his zone instincts are solid, Starks occasionally struggles with man coverage against quick slot receivers and can be overly aggressive against play action.
For the Eagles, the fit is clear. Starks immediately upgrades their run defense while providing versatility as a downhill enforcer. With proper development in coverage technique, he has the potential to evolve into a true defensive cornerstone.