Ravens' highly-acclaimed draft pick could drive defensive breakthrough in 2026

2025 first-round pick Malaki Starks didn't have the stellar rookie season that Baltimore Ravens fans were hoping for. Not many of their rookies did, for that matter. Nevertheless, he showed plenty of flashes, especially during the second half of last season, and it's fair to expect him to take significant strides in 2026.

Recently, Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed a breakout player for each team, and Starks was the Ravens' breakout candidate. Wasserman wrote:

"Starks served as a respectable understudy to veterans Kyle Hamilton and Alohi Gilman in Baltimore’s secondary this season. He earned a solid 68.9 PFF overall grade across more than 1,000 snaps in his rookie season. Starks’ 79.9 PFF run-defense grade was a top-20 mark among qualified safeties, and he should continue to improve in coverage with more experience."

With a year of experience under his belt and new head coach, Jesse Minter, coming to town, it's fair to expect a big season from Starks. As Wasserman noted, Starks thrived as a run defender in year one. His pass coverage, though, was wildly inconsistent and is a clear area of improvement in year two.

Starks notched two interceptions, highlighting his upside as a ballhawk. Furthermore, he allowed just a 60.9 completion rate. Still, he allowed 10-plus yards per target during six games. If Starks can iron out some of these inconsistencies, it's easy to see him having a big season. 

A breakout season for Starks would be a game-changer for the Ravens' defense

Given some of the flashes that we saw during Starks' rookie season and his solid coverage in college, the writing is on the wall for him to take a step in the right direction. A breakout season from Starks would undoubtedly help the Ravens' defensive unit get back to their elite standards. 

Hiring Minter highlights a clear focus on defense for the Ravens after a lackluster season. Starks projects to be a key part of this defensive identity both immediately and in the future. Minter can certainly help uplift Starks, as he has a history of working with versatile safeties during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. Plus, you couldn't ask for a better mentor than Kyle Hamilton. 

Many can't wait to see how Minter utilizes the versatility of both Hamilton and Starks. If Alohi Gilman sticks around, the possibilities are truly endless. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens upgrade their defense in free agency and during the draft. Regardless, it's fair to suggest that their safety play will be the defense's main strength, especially in Minter's scheme. And if this is indeed the case, it could go hand in hand with Starks having an exceptional second season. 

Between Starks, Nate Wiggins, Mike Green, and Teddye Buchanan, the Ravens defense has plenty of young talent for Minter to work with. Nevertheless, Starks has the highest ceiling of the bunch, and more than anyone, he feels primed for a breakout season -- something that would clearly change the course of the Ravens' season.