The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. They add another substantial wave of talented players who eventually make Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams every year. They proved that again in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting two of the biggest steals in versatile safety, Malaki Starks with the 27th pick and explosive pass rusher Mike Green with the 59th pick.
Scouts praised Starks as one of the most pro-ready prospects in the draft. While it is only offseason activities, the Georgia standout brings youthful energy to a Ravens defense that needs revitalization after a poor 2024 season.
Baltimore Ravens staff writer Cliff Brown named 15 players who stood out at OTAs, and Starks was one of those mentioned.
“Showing leadership both on and off the field, Starks made plays and carried himself like a vet at OTAs. Starks looked very steady handling the high expectations that come with being a first-round pick,” Brown wrote.
Malaki Starks is ready for NFL action
The 21-year-old is already connecting well with his teammates and has taken little to no time to learn the ropes of the NFL. He is making plays all around the field, and his versatility and instincts are translating.
Starks is a smooth operator in coverage. He can flip his hips, run with receivers step-for-step, and compete at the catch point. He also has the athleticism and intelligence to play anywhere the Ravens need him. It was on full display during rookie minicamp, and fans saw it on center stage as Starks was mic’d up for a Baltimore Ravens Wired episode released on Wednesday.
Starks’ vocal leadership is a prime aspect of his play. With every snap and every drop into coverage, the first-round rookie communicates and studies his surroundings to near perfection. He also takes time to help his teammates in between reps and build their confidence.
One of the highlights of his rookie minicamp performance, which proved his devotion as a leader, was when he broke the huddle on the field and in the weight room after his first day of practice in a Ravens uniform. Pete Gilbert, a sports anchor for WBAL-TV 11, spoke about the importance of this and how he is shaping up to look in Baltimore.
“[He] broke down the team afterward and did so in a very comfortable way,” Gilbert said. “He really looks the part. He did so before the draft, and he already is as a Raven.”
Starks has continued to exhibit these qualities at OTAs. He puts his all into every second of every practice, and coaches have nothing but great things to say about the rookie. Head Coach John Harbaugh said on Wednesday that he does not think Starks’ has made a mistake yet. If he can continue this dominant start, Starks should quickly become a star in Baltimore’s secondary.
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