Mel Kiper Jr. thinks Malaki Starks is a fantastic fit for the Ravens because of his athleticism, versatility, and potential.

When it comes to evaluating talent and predicting the future of NFL prospects, few names are as trusted and recognized as Mel Kiper Jr. As one of the leading analysts in the world of football, Kiper has been providing expert insights for decades. His in-depth evaluations and mock drafts have become essential reading for NFL fans, executives, and coaches alike. When Kiper shares his opinion about a player, it holds significant weight. Recently, Kiper has expressed a keen interest in Georgia safety Malaki Starks, highlighting him as a fantastic fit for the Baltimore Ravens due to his impressive athleticism, versatility, and potential.

In this comprehensive analysis, we will break down Kiper’s evaluation of Starks, exploring his physical attributes, skill set, and why he would be such a valuable addition to the Ravens’ defense. By examining these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of why Kiper believes Starks could make an immediate impact at the next level.

Malaki Starks: A Rising Star from Georgia

Before delving into the specifics of why Kiper is so high on Malaki Starks, it’s important to understand the background and rise of the young defensive back. Starks played his college football at the University of Georgia, a program that has quickly become a powerhouse in college football. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has produced numerous NFL-caliber players, and Starks is poised to be another in that line.

Starks was highly regarded coming out of high school in Jefferson, Georgia, and he quickly became a standout player for the Bulldogs. His performances on the field, particularly his playmaking ability, caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Starks made an immediate impact during his freshman season at Georgia, earning a starting spot and showing off his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the defense. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ quickly placed him among the top safety prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Over the course of his college career, Starks showed versatility in both the run and pass game. He demonstrated excellent tackling ability and was often used in coverage to lock down tight ends and wide receivers. His strong instincts and anticipation also allowed him to make plays on the ball, leading to numerous pass breakups and interceptions. By the time he entered the draft, Starks was widely considered one of the top safeties available, and Kiper’s endorsement only further solidified his status as a coveted prospect.

Athleticism: A Key Component of Starks’ Game

One of the primary reasons Mel Kiper Jr. is so high on Malaki Starks is his remarkable athleticism. Starks possesses the physical tools that make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 200 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NFL safety. His combination of size and speed allows him to cover a significant amount of ground on the field, both in the passing game and when playing the run.

Starks is known for his explosive speed and agility, which allows him to quickly close gaps and make plays. His ability to cover ground quickly makes him a tremendous asset in pass coverage, where he can cover both deep routes and short, quick passes to running backs and tight ends. His range allows him to play in a variety of defensive schemes, and he can be deployed in multiple ways depending on the situation.

In terms of quickness, Starks has demonstrated the ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and change direction on a dime. This agility allows him to effectively cover both fast wide receivers and larger tight ends, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in how they utilize him. Whether it’s in man coverage or deep safety, Starks’ ability to keep up with his assignments makes him a reliable and valuable piece of any defense.

Additionally, Starks’ speed and agility allow him to close on ball carriers quickly, a trait that makes him effective against the run. His ability to quickly read plays and react with explosive speed allows him to track down running backs, prevent long gains, and make crucial tackles in open space. His athleticism is one of his defining traits, and it is precisely what makes him such an intriguing prospect for the Ravens.

Versatility: A Playmaker in Multiple Roles

Another reason why Mel Kiper Jr. believes Starks is a perfect fit for the Ravens is his versatility. In today’s NFL, safeties are expected to be able to wear many hats and contribute in various roles across the defense. Gone are the days when safeties were limited to simply being deep coverage players or strong tacklers. Modern NFL safeties must be able to cover wide receivers, shut down tight ends, stop the run, and even rush the quarterback when needed.

Malaki Starks fits that modern mold perfectly. One of the defining features of his game is his ability to contribute in a wide range of situations. He is a player who can drop deep in coverage, play closer to the line of scrimmage, and even line up against slot receivers or tight ends in the middle of the field. This kind of flexibility is invaluable to any defense, but it is especially critical for the Ravens, who have built their defensive identity around adaptability and versatility.

During his time at Georgia, Starks often lined up in multiple positions, allowing the Bulldogs to shift their defensive scheme depending on the situation. He was used in deep coverage, covering the back end of the defense, and in more aggressive positions, where he was tasked with shutting down the run or providing help in blitz packages. His ability to thrive in a variety of defensive schemes is a major selling point for the Ravens, who are known for their dynamic and complex defensive strategies.

The Ravens’ defense has long been built around speed, aggression, and adaptability, and Starks would fit perfectly into that framework. He has the ability to line up as a single high safety or a box safety, giving defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald plenty of options when it comes to how he uses Starks. Whether it’s covering a deep route or stepping up to stop the run, Starks is comfortable doing it all.

Potential: A Future Star in the NFL

When Kiper talks about Malaki Starks’ potential, he is not just referring to what the player can do now, but what he could become with development at the NFL level. At just 20 years old, Starks is already an exceptional talent, but his best football may still be ahead of him. He has all the raw tools necessary to become a game-changing safety in the NFL, and his combination of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility makes him a tantalizing prospect for any team, especially the Ravens.

The potential for Starks to grow into a future Pro Bowler is real. While he has already proven himself at the college level, the jump to the NFL presents new challenges. However, his work ethic, football instincts, and natural talent suggest that he will continue to improve. With the right coaching and development, Starks has the potential to be one of the top safeties in the league.

What makes Starks so intriguing is that he already has the tools to succeed at the next level, but he still has room to refine his game. He can become more consistent in his coverage and tackling, and he will have the chance to learn from veteran safeties and defensive coaches in the NFL. His ceiling is incredibly high, and that’s why Kiper sees so much potential in him as a future star in the league.

Why the Ravens Are a Perfect Fit for Malaki Starks

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their defensive prowess, and their defense is often considered one of the most difficult to penetrate in the NFL. Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald have built a system that values flexibility, versatility, and high football IQ. With the additions of key players like Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens have created a defensive unit that is built for speed and adaptability.

For all of their success, one area where the Ravens have historically struggled is at the safety position. While players like Marcus Williams and Chuck Clark have contributed, the Ravens have long been searching for that game-changing safety who can take the defense to the next level. Starks could be that player.

His versatility allows the Ravens to use him in a variety of roles, and his athleticism will help shore up the secondary while allowing the defense to create even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Whether he’s covering a deep ball or stepping into the box to shut down the run, Starks would be a key piece in a defense that already boasts elite talent.