Georgia Defensive Stars Declare For Draft

As expected, the University of Georgia is primed to produce several first-round picks in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, with a focus on defensive players.

Three key figures from the Bulldogs’ defense, linebacker Jalon Walker, safety Malaki Starks, and edge rusher Mykel Williams, recently announced their decision to declare for the draft.

These players were all five-star recruits from Georgia’s 2022 class, a year that saw the team secure some of the top talent in the nation. Williams, in particular, was one of the highest-rated signees in Georgia’s history, coming in as the 10th-best recruit at the time.

Jalon Walker, hailing from Salisbury, North Carolina, was ranked as the third-best linebacker and 26th overall recruit by 247Sports in the 2022 class. In his early years at Georgia, Walker was used sparingly, making appearances on special teams and as a backup linebacker.

However, as a sophomore, he began to shine, leading the team with five sacks and solidifying his place as a defensive force. By his junior year, Walker had earned a full-time starting role, posting career-high numbers in tackles (60), tackles for loss (11), and sacks (6.5).

His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best linebacker. Now, Walker is viewed as a potential first-round pick, with analysts split on whether he’ll be selected as an off-ball linebacker or an edge rusher. His unique ability to rush the passer, combined with his speed and versatility, makes him a highly coveted prospect.

Mykel Williams, a native of Columbus, Georgia, was even more highly regarded coming out of high school, ranked as the second-best defensive lineman and the seventh-best recruit overall by 247Sports. After initially committing to USC, Williams flipped to Georgia, where he immediately made an impact. As a freshman, he led the team with 4.5 sacks, despite only starting two games. His performance continued to impress in the following seasons, although his production slightly plateaued in his junior year. Nonetheless, Williams’ physical attributes—his speed, power, and ability to bend around the edge—are considered elite, and many experts believe that he could still develop into a standout pass rusher in the NFL. Despite the inconsistency in his college production, Williams is projected to be one of the top pass rushers in the draft, with analysts ranking him highly alongside other top prospects.

Malaki Starks, who was the crown jewel of Georgia’s 2022 recruiting class, has arguably been the most impactful of the three throughout his college career. Coming from Jefferson, Georgia, Starks was ranked as the top athlete and the fourth-best overall recruit by 247Sports. His freshman season saw him start 14 out of 15 games, where he tied for the team lead in passes defensed and finished second in interceptions. Starks continued to impress in his sophomore year, securing more interceptions and passes defensed. This past season, while his interception numbers dipped, Starks stepped up in another area, leading the team with 77 total tackles. Known for his versatility, football intelligence, and strong playmaking ability, Starks is widely regarded as the top safety in the 2025 draft class. His all-around skill set makes him a highly sought-after prospect, and he is expected to be a first-round selection.

Despite a few high-profile “busts” from Georgia’s recent draft classes, such as Travon Walker and Lewis Cine, there is little doubt that Starks, Walker, and Williams will not fall victim to the same fate. These players have consistently displayed the talent and potential to succeed at the next level, and as Georgia continues its impressive streak of producing multiple first-round picks, this trio is likely to keep that tradition alive as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft.