Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It's safe to say the Atlanta Falcons are looking at the defensive side of the ball for the 2025 NFL Draft. Team owner Arthur Blank said as much at the Annual League Meeting.
But what about the safety position specifically?
The Falcons return starter Jessie Bates III but his 2024 running mate, Justin Simmons, remains a free agent. Atlanta signed a different free agent, though, in Jordan Fuller, who could fill that void. Third-year safety DeMarcco Hellams is another option, too, after sitting out last season due to an ankle injury. Neither have been officially named the secondary starter. That likely won't come until talent is tested in training camp, which leaves the door open for more competition to enter the conversation in the meantime.
Below are safety prospects who may be available to the Falcons on each day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Day 1
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Emmanwori missed only one game for the Gamecocks across three seasons, totaling 244 tackles, four of which were for a loss, 17 passes defensed and six interceptions. Emmanwori was the Gamecocks' leading tackler as both a freshman and a junior. Two of his interceptions came his sophomore year. The other four happened last year as a junior, and two were pick-sixes – a 65-yarder and a 24-yarder. There was a third pick six, but it was ultimately called back by a penalty. He was one of only three players in the country last season with multiple pick sixes
Emmanwori has the size and speed to be a difference maker defensively. He checked in at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. Emmanwori's combine performance was arguably the standout workout of the entire event, and he earned a perfect Relative Athletic Score as a result. Experts note Emmanwori is stronger when closer to the line of scrimmage and can be cleaner when deeper in coverage.
Malaki Starks, Georgia
Starks never missed a game for the Bulldogs in three seasons, totaling 197 tackles, 5.5 of which were for a loss, and 23 pass breakups, with six interceptions. His pick count varied each season, going from two as a freshman, three as a sophomore and one as a junior. He didn't return any for a touchdown.
Starks' leadership has been repeatedly noted by experts, and his special team experience adds an extra page to his resume that may appeal to NFL teams. He was Georgia's backup punt returner and full-time on punt coverage. Starks checked in at 6-foot and 197 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash.
Pick(s): No. 15 overall
Other Day 1 options: N/A
Day 2
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Watts boasts a longer collegiate career that shows proven development. He joined Notre Dame in 2020 as a wide receiver before ultimately redshirting his freshman year amid the pandemic-shortened season. In 2021, he moved to the defensive side of the ball and spent the next two seasons in a primarily reserve role. It wasn't until 2023 that he became a full-time starter for his final two seasons. Through 55 career games, Watts totaled 188 tackles, 8.5 of which were for a loss, 31 passes defensed, and 13 interceptions. His final season was highlighted by a 100-yard pick six. Watts also has 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a 16-yard fumble-recovery-turned-touchdown on his resume.
What Watts may lack in size – 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine – he makes up for in effort. Experts have noted how hard Watts pushes himself on the playing field, oftentimes making himself appear faster than his 4.58-second 40-yard dash at Notre Dame's Pro Day would suggest.
Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Mukuba spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Clemson before transferring to Texas in 2024. He was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. Injuries then briefly hindered his time with the Tigers and caused him to miss two games, apiece, in 2022 and 2023. But Mukuba played in every game for the Longhorns last season – his most successful in college. In 15 games, Mukuba made 69 tackles, four of which were for a loss, 11 pass breakups and five interceptions. He also forced a fumble.
The ability to transfer into a new system and be successful is a good sign for both Mukuba's natural abilities but also adaptabilities. That could help him long-term, considering his size has been flagged by experts as a possible concern. Mukuba was recorded as 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine. He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, though, so speed is on his side.
Pick(s): No. 46 overall (Round 2)
Other Day 2 picks: Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State), Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma), Lathan Ransom (Ohio State), Jonas Sanker (Virginia)
Day 3
Malachi Moore, Alabama
Moore had a hot start with the Crimson Tide in 2020, becoming the first true freshman defensive back to start in an opener since Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2015. Moore's starting responsibilities were dialed back considerably from 2021-22, however, under a different defensive coordinator. When leadership changed again in 2023, he returned to being a full-time starter, but mainly at nickel. It wasn't until 2024 that Moore consistently played safety – and he had his most production, tallying 70 tackles, three of which were for a loss, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. He also had a sack and two forced fumbles that year.
Moore's size – 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds the 2025 NFL Combine – and speed – a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at Alabama's Pro day – have been knocked by experts, which is why he falls in the Day 3 category. His toughness and competitiveness have been applauded, though. He brings versatility from his ever-changing seasons at Alabama, which includes special teams experience on both kickoff and punt coverage. He scored a touchdown on a block punt recovery in 2022 even.
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Wohler split his four years at Wisconsin, with the latter two being his starting seasons. He played in every game as a freshman in 2021, gained his first start as a sophomore in 2022 but missed seven games due to an injury. Wohler returned as a full-time starter in 2023 and held that role in 2024, although he did miss one game due to injury. Wohler had his most productive season as a junior, tallying 120 tackles (most by a Wisconsin defensive back since Reggie Holt in 1991), 5.5 of which were for a loss, eight passes defensed and two interceptions. He also recorded a sack.
Wohler's measurements at the 2025 NFL Combine were listed at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. He ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. Experts report that he's stronger in the box than deep in coverage, and the fact he didn't have an interception last season backs up that sentiment. However, Wohler does offer special teams experience – both in coverage and as a punt returner.
Pick(s): Nos. 118 overall (Round 4), 218 overall (Round 7), 242 overall (Round 7)
Other Day 3 picks: Jaylen Reed (Penn State), Sebastian Castro (Iowa), Kitan Crawford (Nevada), Craig Woodson (California), Maxen Hook (Toledo), Marques Sigle (Kansas State), Dan Jackson (Georgia)
