New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: S Makari Paige, Michigan

Makari Paige has shown an ability to match up well against tight ends and function in zone coverage, but he’ll need to refine his game before he is ready to become a consistent contributor at the next level.

A former four-star recruit out of West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where he was the fifth ranked player from his state and the 20th ranked safety during the 2020 cycle. 

Paige was an honorable All-Big-10 mention in 2022 and 2023. He played a total of 1,780 defensive snaps over five seasons, and he started 26 games over the last two seasons for the Wolverines. Paige appeared in 53 games.

Through his five seasons, he had a missed tackle percentage of 13.6%, 26 STOPs, and five pressures. He attended the 2025 East-West Shrine Game, but Paige was not invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Makari Paige is an interesting sub-package player with an elite frame and elite size but does not possess the athletic traits or fluidity to handle single-high responsibilities at the next level.

He possesses modest speed and range to consistently thrive as a deep-half defender. Still, he does have special teams upside and BIG NICKEL and BIG DIME ability to man-up less athletic – but large – tight ends.

He’s a solid overall run defender who embraces contact, albeit he could clean up his tackling mechanics. Overall, Makari Paige’s build will earn him a shot at making a roster, but it’s not a guarantee. 

GRADE: 5.92