The Baltimore Ravens have not had a Rookie of the Year winner, offensive or defensive, since 2023. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his way through the league, racking up 12 sacks on his way to claiming the award. However, despite all the talent that has come through Baltimore, they have yet to have a recipient since. One rising star could change that, though.
Safety Malaki Starks has the makings of a future superstar. When the Ravens selected him with the 27th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, everyone knew they drafted a steal. In offseason activities, Starks was nearly perfect, and as the team readies for training camp, the former Georgia Bulldog is looking to prove himself early on.
While the 21-year-old is one of the most exciting rookies, it does seem like that excitement is translating to the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. Dan Parr of NFL.com ranked the top 10 candidates for the distinguished honor, but although Starks is believed to be a top rookie, he comes in at just eighth on the list.
“He’s joining what figures to be one of the league’s stoutest defenses, with Pro Bowl talent at all three levels. And we know he has a knack for making plays, even if it wasn’t on display as much in 2024. DC Zach Orr has a world of possibilities before him with two versatile safeties at his disposal now -- Kyle Hamilton is coming off his second straight Pro Bowl nod -- and the ground should be fertile for Starks to be a quick bloomer.”
Malaki Starks’ ranking might be a bit too low
Yes, a safety has not won the award since 1990, but Starks is more than a safety. He is a versatile chess piece that can make plays all over the field. Georgia asked him to do it all and while the defense failed to live up to standards, Starks did his best to hide those struggles. He lined up in various alignments like deep safety, box, and slot corner. It was part of what made him so tantalizing as a prospect, and those traits should be on full display in Baltimore.
Starks’ versatility should make him a favorite for the award. Baltimore’s secondary is ‘positionless’ and defensive coordinator Zach Orr will use the first-round pick however he sees fit, taking advantage of his playmaking abilities. His production will outpace that of the usual safety, and may be closer to a corner in that respect.
Three cornerbacks have won Defensive Rookie of the Year in the last decade–Marcus Peters, Marshon Lattimore, and Sauce Gardner. For Peters and Gardner, their case was largely boosted by their ball production, tallying eight and five interceptions throughout their campaigns.
If Starks can bring a spark to Baltimore’s defense with takeaways that the unit so desperately needed in 2024, his impact will be felt. The team and their fans already know how crucial Starks is going to be to the team this year, but if it can translate into flashy numbers, he could quickly become a favorite for an award Baltimore has not won since 2003.