Baltimore Ravens rookie Malaki Starks impresses early, showcasing skills and instincts that could earn him a starting role immediately.

The Baltimore Ravens have built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most defensively sound and consistently competitive franchises. Known for producing Pro Bowl defenders like Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs, the Ravens’ tradition of hard-hitting, instinctive football is alive and well. In 2025, that legacy may have found its next star in rookie safety Malaki Starks.

Selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Starks has wasted no time turning heads at Ravens training camp. With a rare blend of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, he’s already making a case to start opposite All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton — and doing so convincingly.

Georgia-Born, Battle-Tested: The College Star

Starks entered the NFL as one of the most accomplished safeties in recent college football memory. A five-star recruit out of Jefferson High School in Georgia, he stayed in-state to play for Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs, a program known for developing elite defenders.

In just three seasons with the Bulldogs, Starks compiled:

• 182 total tackles
• 17 pass breakups
• 6 interceptions
• 2 forced fumbles

What made Starks stand out at Georgia wasn’t just the box score — it was his ability to be in the right place at the right time. He played with poise beyond his years, diagnosing plays quickly, flipping hips in coverage with ease, and always showing up near the ball.

“He’s the smartest defensive back I’ve coached,” said Georgia’s defensive backs coach Fran Brown. “His instincts are elite. He watches more tape than some of our coaches.”

Starks was a key piece in Georgia’s 2022 national title run and a team captain by 2024. His leadership, paired with versatility, made him a top target for NFL teams seeking immediate contributors in the secondary.

NFL Combine Performance: Athleticism on Full Display

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Starks confirmed everything scouts believed: he’s not just smart — he’s explosive. He measured 6’1”, 205 pounds and tested among the best at his position.

• 40-yard dash: 4.50 seconds
• Vertical jump: 39 inches
• Broad jump: 10’9”
• Short shuttle: 4.12 seconds

He reached a top in-play speed of 23.12 mph in drills, fifth-fastest among all defensive backs.

Former NFL cornerback and NFL Network analyst DeAngelo Hall said during combine week:

“Starks reminds me of a young Tyrann Mathieu — he’s got that heat-seeking mindset, but he’s bigger and maybe even faster.”

That comparison stuck with Baltimore’s scouting department. The Ravens selected Starks 26th overall, calling him “the best pure safety in the draft.”

Ravens’ Draft Strategy: The Perfect Fit

The Ravens came into the 2025 offseason needing to strengthen the back end of their defense. While Kyle Hamilton emerged as a Pro Bowl hybrid safety, veteran Marcus Williams was coming off an injury-riddled season, and depth was thin.

Starks fit the mold of a modern safety — capable of dropping deep, covering tight ends in man coverage, and blitzing off the edge. His intelligence, toughness, and ability to communicate made him an ideal fit in Zach Orr’s defense.

“We needed a guy who could match Kyle’s versatility,” said Orr, the Ravens’ newly promoted defensive coordinator. “Malaki can play in the box, over the top, or in the slot. He’s already picking up our terminology faster than most veterans do.”

Early Camp Standouts: Earning Trust Fast

In OTAs and rookie minicamp, Starks quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

In one practice, he intercepted a deep post thrown by Lamar Jackson, baiting the quarterback by disguising his coverage before breaking on the ball. Jackson, who usually doesn’t get fooled by rookies, gave him credit after the session:

“That young man knows ball. He moves like a vet.”

Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey also chimed in, saying, “Malaki is ahead of the curve. He’s asking the right questions, and he’s not afraid to correct veterans if we’re out of place. That’s rare.”

Reports from beat writers suggest Starks is getting first-team reps during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods. He’s lining up in two-high looks, playing robber coverage in the middle, and even blitzing off the edge — just as he did in college.

Strengths That Translate

1. Elite Instincts

Starks’ ability to anticipate plays is reminiscent of Ed Reed. He doesn’t wait for things to unfold — he dictates them. Whether it’s recognizing route combinations or reading a quarterback’s eyes, he has a knack for putting himself in the right spot.

2. Versatility

He can play free safety, strong safety, nickel corner, or dime linebacker. That flexibility allows the Ravens to disguise their coverage pre-snap and adapt to any offense.

3. Tackling and Physicality

Starks is a reliable open-field tackler with a low miss rate. He’s unafraid of contact, sheds blocks well, and takes smart angles — a must in a defense that thrives on aggression.

Areas to Improve

Even elite prospects have room to grow.

1. Man Coverage Against Smaller, Quicker WRs

While Starks is comfortable covering tight ends and backs, quicker slot receivers can occasionally gain separation. His footwork is sound, but improvement in transitions will help him when isolated in man schemes.

2. Play Recognition Speed vs NFL Tempo

Though his instincts are elite, the speed of the NFL game is a leap from even SEC competition. There have been a few moments in camp where he’s been a half-second late — expected for any rookie.

Potential Role in Week 1

The Ravens have yet to officially name Starks a starter, but all signs point to him playing significant snaps early. Whether he starts opposite Kyle Hamilton or rotates in sub-packages, he’s too talented to keep off the field.

The likely Week 1 setup:

• Free Safety: Malaki Starks
• Strong Safety: Kyle Hamilton
• Nickel CB: Brandon Stephens

This trio allows Baltimore to play multiple defensive looks without substituting personnel. Expect to see 3-safety looks frequently, with Hamilton and Starks blitzing or covering as needed.

What Analysts Are Saying

• Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network): “Starks is the most polished rookie safety I’ve scouted since Derwin James.”
• Mel Kiper Jr.: “Baltimore got a steal. He’s a plug-and-play starter who’ll only get better with time.”
• ESPN’s Mina Kimes: “He gives them flexibility and instincts — a rare combo for a 21-year-old.”

The Ed Reed Effect: Big Shoes to Fill

Baltimore fans have long awaited a true heir to Ed Reed’s throne. While Hamilton has blossomed into a do-it-all safety, Starks brings that same centerfield range and vision that Reed once did.

Starks is aware of the legacy he’s stepping into.

“I grew up watching Ed Reed highlights. To even be mentioned in the same sentence is humbling. I just want to do my part to uphold the standard.”

The 2025 Outlook: A Rising Star on the Horizon

If early practices are any indication, Malaki Starks could become one of the NFL’s breakout defensive rookies in 2025. The Ravens have a storied history of grooming defenders who turn into stars. Starks might be next.

Expect him to make his presence felt early — in the film room, on the field, and on the stat sheet. And if the Ravens defense dominates in 2025, don’t be surprised if Malaki Starks is a big reason why.