New Falcons Coach Openly Salivating Over Georgia Prospect He Wants Team to Draft

Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich watches warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich watches warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

The NFL offseason has been interesting around the league. Plenty of players have switched teams as teams have started building their teams for the 2025 season.

While the Falcons haven't been active in the free-agent market, they still have the 2025 NFL Draft to add upgrades to the team.

The Falcons own five total picks in next month's draft, including the 15th overall pick. There are multiple different ways they can go with that selection, but it appears new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has his eye on someone.

The Georgia Bulldogs had their pro day on March 12, and the Falcons were in attendance. Safety Malaki Starks was one of the guys who participated, and Ulbrich was in awe.

During his drills, Ulbrich said, "Goodness gracious. That’s different. That might be the safest pick in the draft."

Falcons News: Jeff Ulbrich is a Fan of Malaki Starks

The Falcons do have a void at safety with Justin Simmons sitting in free agency. They still have Jessie Bates in the safety room but Ulbrich could want to get Starks added to the group.

Starks is considered the top safety in this draft class. He has an elite football IQ with the ability to be a rangy defender over the top. The Georgia native will also fly downhill to make stops in the run game and has developed into a sound tackler.

In 43 games with the Bulldogs, Starks has recorded 127 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, and six interceptions.

Over the last two seasons, he's logged at least a 78 overall grade per PFF. One of the best parts about Starks' game is his versatility. In all three collegiate seasons, he's logged at least 150 snaps in the slot, the box, and as a deep safety.

Adding that type of difference maker to the defense is intriguing to Ulbrich. Whether that same feeling is felt throughout the organization remains to be seen.

If they do select Starks, it would be a homecoming for him. He was born and raised in Jefferson, Georgia. He went to Jefferson High School before committing to UGA.

Starks loves Georgia and would likely be ecstatic to play for the Falcons.

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