A New Chapter: Malaki Starks Joins the Ravens

On draft night, the Baltimore Ravens made a bold move. With the 27th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Malaki Starks, a standout safety from Georgia. This decision has excited both coaches and fans. Starks' arrival signals a shift in Baltimore's already formidable defense.

Why the Ravens Chose Malaki Starks

Several analysts agree that Malaki Starks is a perfect fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme. His versatility stands out. Over his college career, he played deep safety, slot, and even lined up in the box. According to an in-depth breakdown by the Ravens’ editorial team, Starks’ ability to move around the field will free up star safety Kyle Hamilton to maximize his own impact. Head Coach John Harbaugh emphasized that opponents will struggle to predict their coverage on any given play.

Starks' journey to the NFL has not been easy. Growing up in Jefferson, Georgia, he faced significant adversity. These experiences shaped him into a resilient and motivated athlete. Off the field, coaches describe him as smart and mature beyond his years. His leadership and character set the tone for both locker room culture and on-field communication.

Grading the Selection: Experts Weigh In

The consensus among NFL draft experts is clear: the Ravens made a slam dunk with the selection of Malaki Starks. As highlighted in a comprehensive grades roundup from Baltimore Beatdown, analysts from SB Nation, Sporting News, Yahoo! Sports, and Bleacher Report all delivered high marks. Starks’ instincts, playmaking ability, and tackling prowess make him a valuable addition to the secondary.

In college, Starks started every game as a freshman for the Bulldogs and earned two first-team All-American honors. His football IQ and anticipation help him excel in run defense and coverage. Many experts believe he can create more takeaways—a crucial need for the Ravens to break through in the playoffs.

The Bigger Picture: Starks Boosts Baltimore's Super Bowl Hopes

With Starks joining Hamilton at safety, the Ravens have one of the league’s most promising young duos. The AFC North is known for tough matchups and elite offenses. Baltimore’s defense now has added flexibility to handle the challenge.

Starks’ ability to diagnose plays and effectively cover both run and pass will allow the Ravens to disguise their alignments. His big-game experience at Georgia, where he helped win a national title, only boosts his credentials. As reported in The Athletic’s NFL Draft coverage, the Ravens’ pick of Starks was one of the first round’s most celebrated moments.

Looking Ahead

Malaki Starks is poised to make an instant impact for Baltimore. His journey from small-town standout to first-round NFL pick is inspiring. If he lives up to expectations, the Ravens' defense could reach new heights this season.

Fans can expect to see Starks flying around the field, making plays, and growing into a leader for years to come. Stay tuned as the rookie safety begins his NFL journey in purple and black.