When the Philadelphia Eagles traded CJ Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for Kenyon Green and a pick swap, it left fans with one major question: How would Howie Roseman replace the star safety in Vic Fangio’s defense?
Sure, he could go with an internal option, giving a player like Sydney Brown or Tristian a chance to run wild in a full-time starting role opposite Reed Blankenship, but unless Philadelphia lands a player like Justin Simmons in free agency – which, admittedly, feels likely – the Eagles will likely have to turn to the draft, where the next great coverman could soon call Philadelphia home.
And who, you may ask, is the top safety in the 2025 NFL Draft? Well, that would be Malaki Starks, a do-it-all DB from Georgia who has played with about a half dozen other Eagles defenders during their time together in Athens.
Discussing the Eagles’ draft with Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice, Daniel Jeremiah was asked if he believes Starks could replace CJGJ long-term in Fangio’s defense. His answer, unsurprisingly, was very pro-Georgia safety.
“I think it would be a great fit. Obviously, they love shopping at that store (Georgia). He’s a really, really good player. I don’t think he made as many plays this year as he did previously, but he gives you someone who, in a pinch, can play your nickel. I think he could survive outside at corner if you had to get out of a game, and I think he could be an outstanding free safety, play over the top, roam and make plays,” Jeremiah told Philly Voice.