The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a critical moment in franchise history. After a turbulent 7–10 season that fell far short of expectations, the team finds itself holding the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With glaring holes to fill and a fanbase hungry for a resurgence, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office face a significant decision that could set the tone for years to come.
Interestingly, much of the draft conversation in Dallas circles has centered around not just one, but two elite defenders from the same college powerhouse: the University of Georgia. Safety Malaki Starks and defensive end Mykel Williams have emerged as two of the most compelling prospects available, and both fill immediate needs for the Cowboys. As draft day looms, a heated internal debate brews: Should Dallas prioritize improving the secondary with the athletic and instinctive Starks, or bolster the pass rush with the powerful, relentless Williams?
In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of both players, the Cowboys’ roster needs, draft strategy, and ultimately, which Bulldog may be the better fit in Big D.
The Cowboys’ Draft Dilemma
Before diving into the prospects themselves, it’s essential to understand the context in which this decision is being made. The Cowboys have endured a frustrating stretch marked by underachievement in the playoffs and mounting questions about the roster’s long-term viability.
With key defensive contributors like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs in place, Dallas has the framework of a formidable defense—but it lacks consistency. The defensive line has struggled with depth and pressure when Parsons is double-teamed, while the secondary has lacked a true enforcer and playmaker at safety. This dual need has made both Malaki Starks and Mykel Williams ideal targets.
Prospect Profile: Malaki Starks (Safety, Georgia)
Overview
- Height/Weight: 6’1”, 205 lbs
- Class: Junior
- Projected Range: Top 10–15
- Position Fit for Dallas: Free Safety / Hybrid Safety
Malaki Starks has been on NFL radars since his freshman year. As a versatile, ball-hawking safety with elite range and quick-twitch athleticism, Starks became the anchor of the Georgia secondary, a key cog in one of the most dominant defenses in recent college football memory.
Strengths
- Instincts: Starks plays with a high football IQ, often diagnosing plays before they develop. He’s rarely out of position and makes quick decisions in both zone and man coverage.
- Range and Speed: He’s a true sideline-to-sideline player. His closing speed allows him to break up passes or intercept balls that most safeties wouldn’t even challenge.
- Coverage Skills: Starks can match up with tight ends, slot receivers, and backs out of the backfield. He has the agility to mirror receivers and the length to make plays on the ball.
- Run Support: Unlike some rangy safeties, Starks is also physical in run support. He’s not afraid to take on blocks and wrap up in space.
Weaknesses
- Occasional Over-aggression: His confidence and instincts sometimes lead him to bite on double moves or misdirection.
- Tackling Form: While he’s a solid tackler, his form can be inconsistent. He sometimes relies on athleticism over technique.
Fit with Cowboys
Dallas has long lacked a true free safety who can cover centerfield and make plays on the ball. The current rotation of safeties, including Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, is serviceable but lacks elite upside. Starks would immediately raise the ceiling of the Cowboys’ secondary, pairing well with Diggs and Bland to form a fearsome trio.
Prospect Profile: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Overview
- Height/Weight: 6’5”, 265 lbs
- Class: Junior
- Projected Range: Top 10–15
- Position Fit for Dallas: Defensive End / EDGE
Mykel Williams brings size, strength, and explosiveness off the edge. He’s the prototype defensive end in today’s NFL—long, lean, and relentless. While he didn’t always post gaudy sack totals in Georgia’s rotational scheme, his tape is filled with disruption, pressure, and flashes of dominance.
Strengths
- Versatility: Williams can line up as a 4-3 DE, 3-4 OLB, or even slide inside on passing downs. His strength allows him to hold up against the run, while his quickness makes him a nightmare in passing situations.
- Hand Usage: He’s already advanced in how he uses his hands to disengage from blockers, a trait that often takes NFL players years to develop.
- Motor and Physicality: Williams doesn’t quit on plays. He chases down ball carriers and quarterbacks with equal urgency.
- Athleticism: For his size, he moves with rare quickness and fluidity. His get-off at the line is among the best in the class.
Weaknesses
- Production vs. Projection: While scouts love his tools, the production hasn’t always matched the talent. Some wonder if he’ll put it all together at the next level.
- Pad Level: Like many taller linemen, Williams occasionally plays too high, making it easier for offensive linemen to anchor against him.
Fit with Cowboys
Dallas could desperately use another dynamic pass rusher to take pressure off Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. While Sam Williams and Dorance Armstrong have shown flashes, neither projects as a long-term cornerstone. Mykel Williams could be that guy. In Dan Quinn’s system—or whomever the next DC is if Quinn’s replacement has similar philosophies—Williams has the athletic and mental makeup to become a double-digit sack player.
Breaking Down the Fit: Defense First
With both players addressing different defensive needs, the question becomes: What is more urgent for Dallas—fixing the backend or beefing up the pass rush?
Team Needs
- Safety: Starks would be the best safety Dallas has had since Darren Woodson. His ability to disguise coverage, roam the field, and make game-changing plays would be a game-changer.
- Defensive Line: Williams’ addition would ease the load on Parsons, allowing more creativity with blitz packages and edge pressures.
Scheme Fit
- Dan Quinn emphasized versatility and speed on defense. Even with Quinn now in Washington, the Cowboys will likely continue building a defense that relies on athletic defenders who can play multiple roles. Both Starks and Williams fit that mold, but Williams may have more scheme flexibility.
Long-Term Impact
- Starks: He could immediately step in as a Day 1 starter, shore up the secondary, and be a defensive leader by Year 2.
- Williams: His ceiling is arguably higher, especially as a pass rusher. If he reaches his full potential, he could be the next great Cowboy defender alongside Parsons.
Other Options on the Board
It’s worth noting that the Cowboys may not be forced to choose between just these two Bulldogs. Other prospects linked to the team in mock drafts include:
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): A dynamic runner who could become the centerpiece of the offense.
- Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona): A big-bodied target who could replace Michael Gallup and complement CeeDee Lamb.
- Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia): Yet another Bulldog, Walker would add speed and versatility to the linebacker room.
Still, few other players offer the combination of talent, need, and scheme fit that Starks and Williams do.
What the Experts Say
Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN)
“I love Malaki Starks for Dallas. He gives them a rangy defender who’s always around the football. He’s the kind of safety that changes games.”
Todd McShay (ESPN)
“Don’t sleep on Mykel Williams. His best football is ahead of him, and he has Pro Bowl potential. Dallas needs someone who can make quarterbacks uncomfortable. He’s that guy.”
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network)
“It’s a win-win situation for Dallas. If you want the safer pick, go with Starks. If you want the higher ceiling, take Williams.”
Final Verdict: Who Should the Cowboys Pick?
Both Malaki Starks and Mykel Williams would be slam-dunk picks at No. 12. But if forced to choose, the Cowboys’ most pressing need might tilt the scales.
If the goal is immediate help and better play in the secondary:
➡️ Malaki Starks is the answer. He brings leadership, intelligence, and rare athleticism. He would elevate the entire defense from Day 1 and provide the coverage versatility Dallas has lacked.
If the goal is to maximize long-term defensive dominance:
➡️ Mykel Williams is the guy. His ceiling as a pass rusher and defensive disruptor could make the Cowboys’ front seven downright terrifying.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to who is still on the board at 12. If both are there, the Cowboys will face a true luxury problem—but also a defining one.
