There's no denying that the most exciting pick for Georgia football fans during the first round of the NFL Draft was when linebacker Jalon Walker was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. And while everyone will remember that moment for the rest of their lives, UGA fans will have a hard time forgetting the moment Malaki Starks was drafted as well.
Starks was the final Bulldog selected in the first round of the draft Thursday night, and he was picked 27th overall by the Baltimore Ravens.
We have selected safety Malaki Starks with our first-round pick!! pic.twitter.com/qH7b9Jgn4G
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 25, 2025
While all three Bulldogs got to enjoy the special moment of hearing their name called, Starks had the unique opportunity to be in Green Bay during the draft. This meant that he was able to walk across the stage after hearing his name called, a moment he will likely never forget.
Malaki Starks gets his moment on the Draft stage 🥹 @StarksMalaki
— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2025
📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BZLrmiu9ZR
Heartfelt reactions to Malaki Starks being drafted
Georgia fans across the world celebrated alongside Starks on social media, but some of the moments captured online stand out above the rest. The first came from Kirby Smart, who shared this awesome message with Starks the moment he was selected by Baltimore.
Super proud of you @starks_malaki I still remember the day you committed and how excited I was to watch you grow and compete here. I am so proud of the leader that you have become and I’m thankful for all the memories you’ve given us. I can’t wait to see you compete with the… pic.twitter.com/MwRjgfuzYx
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) April 25, 2025
However, the best moment of them all was seen in this picture captured by the NFL, showing Starks and his mom celebrating this amazing achievement.
What a moment. 🥹 @starks_malaki pic.twitter.com/ArT1i6Gc1w
— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2025
The second Starks arrived in Athens he immediately became a fan favorite, and that will continue as he embarks on his NFL journey that is beginning in Baltimore. But regardless of where his path may go, Georgia fans will always have his back and be ready to celebrate his countless achievements he will accomplish throughout his upcoming NFL career.