Every year, there are draft picks that just make sense. In 2025, the Baltimore Ravens selecting Malaki Starks with the 27th-overall pick was one of those selections. Adding the exciting safety out of Georgia to a defense that’s already loaded with talent just seemed like a move that was destined all throughout the draft process. Now, there’s a belief that this perfect fit will lead to immediate results.
In a recent ESPN piece, a panel of analysts all gave bold predictions about the 2025 rookie class. Draft analyst Jordan Reid went with the prediction that Starks will lead the NFL in interceptions as a rookie— not just rookie defenders, the entire NFL.
"Ravens safety Malaki Starks will lead the league in interceptions as a rookie. After playing slot corner during his final season at Georgia, Starks could be moving back to his more natural position at free safety in the NFL. That will lead to plenty of opportunities for interceptions, especially if Baltimore's talented defensive front forces off-target throws."Jordan Reid (ESPN)
Malaki Starks predicted to lead the NFL in interceptions as a rookie
Reid explained how Starks likely playing safety in the league should result in the young defender having a ton of opportunities to get his hands on the football. Additionally, Starks displayed throughout his college career that he has impressive ball skills atypical to most defensive backs. While he only had six interceptions in his three years at Georgia, the ways he got those interceptions show he has no problem attacking the football.
Something about Malaki Starks and season openers in the Benzpic.twitter.com/GXXsj3myCm https://t.co/k0iA7exGqx
— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) August 31, 2024
In addition to Starks having the skillset to get the interception, recent history also shows this is a feasible feat for a rookie defensive back. In 2022, Seattle Seahawks corner Riq Woolen led the league with six interceptions as a rookie. Starks will have the chance to do the same in 2025. However, in the last two years, nine interceptions have led the NFL, so Starks may have to pull in a few more than six.
Playing on a Baltimore Ravens defense with stars at every level, the rookie safety should find himself around the ball if he works his way into the starting lineup and produces like everyone thinks he can.