2025 NFL Draft: Georgia DB sign with the Ravens Mel Kiper’s latest parody of Malaki Starks.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, NFL analysts and teams are beginning to evaluate which prospects can make an immediate impact in the league. One name that has risen to the forefront of scouting discussions is Georgia’s standout defensive back, Malaki Starks. The talented safety has impressed on the field, showcasing a combination of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility that makes him one of the top defensive prospects for the upcoming draft.
However, a new narrative surrounding Starks has emerged in the form of ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s parody evaluation of the player. Known for his bold predictions and quirky insights, Kiper has taken to his platform to offer a lighthearted, albeit exaggerated, take on Starks’ potential future with the NFL. This parody, which humorously speculates that Starks could be the ideal pick for the Baltimore Ravens, combines a little wit with real analysis of his skill set, making for an interesting and entertaining piece.
Who is Malaki Starks?
Before diving into Kiper’s playful take on Starks’ potential fit with the Ravens, it’s important to understand the player in question. Malaki Starks is a dynamic defensive back from the University of Georgia who has played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ defense since his freshman year. Known for his incredible athleticism, Starks possesses great speed, agility, and ball skills that make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His ability to read plays and make adjustments on the fly has earned him praise from coaches, scouts, and teammates alike.
Standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 210 pounds, Starks has the size to cover both wide receivers and tight ends effectively. His versatility allows him to play both cornerback and safety, and his smooth transitions between coverage and run support make him a highly adaptable player. Throughout his time at Georgia, he’s displayed the kind of defensive instincts that are highly coveted in the NFL, and his leadership on the field has been evident as well.
Starks’ combination of traits—elite athleticism, field awareness, and positional flexibility—make him one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. Scouts have noted his potential to be an immediate contributor for a team looking to bolster its secondary, and as we will explore in the next section, Mel Kiper’s parody only adds to the intrigue around Starks’ future in the NFL.
Mel Kiper’s Parody of Malaki Starks
Mel Kiper Jr. has made a name for himself as a draft expert, and his analyses often include eccentric commentary that can both entertain and inform. His latest parody of Malaki Starks presents the defensive back in an over-the-top, almost comical light—while still touching on his legitimate talent. Kiper, known for his bombastic and sometimes hyperbolic predictions, offers an entertaining look at Starks, imagining what it would be like if he were to land with a team like the Baltimore Ravens.
In his parody, Kiper spins an elaborate tale of how Starks would be the “perfect fit” for the Ravens’ defense. He jokingly suggests that the Ravens, who have been searching for a defensive playmaker capable of solidifying their secondary, could use a “Swiss Army knife” like Starks. Kiper goes as far as claiming that Starks would immediately be the team’s top defensive back and potentially even challenge for a starting role in Week 1, joking that his mere presence would “make Lamar Jackson’s life easier” by keeping opposing offenses off the field.
Of course, this satirical take on Starks’ fit with the Ravens is laden with humor, exaggerating Kiper’s usual analysis to a point of absurdity. However, beneath the tongue-in-cheek delivery, there is a genuine reflection of the excitement surrounding Starks’ potential at the next level. It’s a playful way to express the buzz and anticipation around one of the draft’s most intriguing defensive prospects.
The Fit with the Baltimore Ravens
While Kiper’s parody may be over-the-top in its presentation, there’s no denying that Starks could be an excellent fit for the Ravens in reality. The Ravens have long been known for their stout defense, which has been a cornerstone of the team’s success over the years. Baltimore’s defense has seen its fair share of dominance, led by key players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, and the franchise remains committed to building a defense that can shut down some of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
The Ravens’ secondary, in particular, has been a key focus of attention in recent seasons. While they have some talented pieces in place, including Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, the team has struggled with consistency in coverage, especially in the middle of the field. This is where Starks could come in as a potential solution.
Starks’ versatility allows him to play multiple roles in the secondary, and that flexibility is something the Ravens could greatly benefit from. Whether it’s covering a tight end in the red zone or reading the quarterback’s eyes in deep coverage, Starks can do it all. His ability to cover both the run and the pass makes him a well-rounded defender who can thrive in a variety of defensive schemes. Given the Ravens’ history of developing defensive talent, Starks’ potential could be maximized under their coaching staff.
Additionally, Starks would benefit from playing alongside established leaders in the Ravens’ defense. The presence of experienced players like Humphrey and Williams would provide Starks with mentorship and guidance as he adjusts to the NFL. With his physical tools and the right coaching, Starks could easily grow into a key contributor for the Ravens in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Ravens’ Need for a Defensive Back
The Ravens’ need for a defensive back has been a point of focus for several years. Though they have strong cornerbacks and safeties, the team has struggled to consistently find a player who can act as a playmaker in the secondary. The need for a ball hawk who can create turnovers and cover ground quickly is something that the Ravens have emphasized in their draft discussions.
Starks’ ability to excel in pass coverage, especially in tight spaces, makes him a potential solution to this issue. His coverage skills are complemented by his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, allowing him to anticipate throws and make plays on the ball. His range and quickness also enable him to cover a lot of ground, which would make him an asset in Baltimore’s aggressive defensive system.
Moreover, Starks’ football IQ is another important factor. He understands offensive schemes and is capable of recognizing patterns and making adjustments on the fly. This level of awareness, combined with his athleticism, would make him a strong fit for a defense that thrives on communication and discipline. If drafted by the Ravens, Starks could develop into a key cog in their defensive lineup, providing the team with an additional layer of security in the secondary.
The Future of Malaki Starks in the NFL
Regardless of the humorous portrayal by Kiper, Malaki Starks is a player to watch closely in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of physical talent and football IQ makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects, and his ability to contribute immediately at the NFL level has scouts buzzing. Whether he ends up with the Ravens or another team, Starks’ future in the NFL appears bright.
For the Ravens, securing a player like Starks could be the key to enhancing their defense and making a deep playoff run. Starks has all the tools to be a star in the NFL, and his potential is certainly something that teams, especially the Ravens, will be watching closely as the draft approaches.
While Mel Kiper’s parody may have been a playful spin on the situation, it’s clear that Malaki Starks has a real chance to make a major impact in the NFL. And wherever he lands, there’s little doubt that he will be a player to watch for years to come. The Ravens, with their history of developing elite defensive talent, may just be the perfect landing spot for the Georgia standout, and his addition could provide them with the defensive boost they need to contend for a championship in 2025 and beyond.
