There weren't many positives to take away from the Baltimore Ravens' 2025 season. The team gave away multiple leads, stalled out on offense far too often, and lost the defensive identity that had previously been a staple in Baltimore. First-round rookie Malaki Starks was one of the few bright spots.
While he was inconsistent early in the year, the young safety came into his own down the stretch. Still, as the Ravens fell out of the postseason discussion, Starks didn't get the recognition he deserved.
According to PFF analyst Bradley Locker, that's about to change. He included Starks in his 2026 "All-Breakout Team," naming new head coach and defensive mastermind Jesse Minter as the reason for the expected leap.
Ravens' Malaki Starks could be set for a breakout season in 2026
The Ravens didn't just hire Minter for his ability to call plays on defense. He's an expert at developing young players, especially defensive backs. When he was with the Los Angeles Chargers, he consistently got the most out of his secondary. Starks could be the greatest beneficiary of his hire in Baltimore.
As Locker said, "Minter’s calling card in the NFL has been his ability to develop defensive backs, and not many have the abilities that Starks possesses. With the 22-year-old getting another year to work next to Kyle Hamilton and newcomer Jaylinn Hawkins, it feels unwise to bet against his breakout."
Minter turned Derwin James back into the superstar he was always supposed to be. He brought quality play out of Alohi Gilman before the Ravens traded for him and turned Elijah Molden into a solid starter. Just imagine what he'll do with Hamilton and Starks.
A year from now, we could be talking about the Ravens' secondary as the most dominant in football. Under Minter's direction, players like Starks could thrive.
The former first-round pick has always been viewed as an exceptional talent. His instincts in coverage and physicality against the run made him a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. If it were not for the relatively low positional value placed on safeties, he likely wouldn't have been available for the Ravens. While he was solid as a rookie, his potential wasn't quite reached due to a lack of ideal surroundings.
Now, that talent could be fully realized. Starks may be set to take a major step forward in his career, helping push Baltimore's defense to a new level.
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