The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their ability to identify and develop defensive talent, and their latest first-round draft pick, Malaki Starks, is no exception. Selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Starks arrives in Baltimore with high expectations and a reputation as one of the most versatile and intelligent safeties in college football [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/ravens-nfl-draft-grades-2025-how-experts-view-malaki-starks-pick/ar-AA1DCvAx?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9yYXZlbnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWdyYWRlcy0yMDI1LWhvdy1leHBlcnRzLXZpZXctbWFsYWtpLXN0YXJrcy1waWNrXC9hci1BQTFEQ3ZBeCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His selection is a testament to the Ravens’ commitment to strengthening their secondary, which struggled last season, ranking 27th in passing defense [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/ravens-nfl-draft-grades-2025-how-experts-view-malaki-starks-pick/ar-AA1DCvAx?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9yYXZlbnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWdyYWRlcy0yMDI1LWhvdy1leHBlcnRzLXZpZXctbWFsYWtpLXN0YXJrcy1waWNrXC9hci1BQTFEQ3ZBeCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Perfect Fit for Baltimore’s Defense
Starks, a standout at the University of Georgia, played in 43 games over three seasons, recording 197 tackles, 17 passes defensed, and six interceptions [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/ravens-nfl-draft-grades-2025-how-experts-view-malaki-starks-pick/ar-AA1DCvAx?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL2Zvb3RiYWxsXC9yYXZlbnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWdyYWRlcy0yMDI1LWhvdy1leHBlcnRzLXZpZXctbWFsYWtpLXN0YXJrcy1waWNrXC9hci1BQTFEQ3ZBeCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary—whether as a deep safety, nickel corner, or even in the box—makes him an ideal addition to the Ravens’ defensive scheme [B](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/malaki-starks-ravens-reasons-to-love-pick-2025-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL21hbGFraS1zdGFya3MtcmF2ZW5zLXJlYXNvbnMtdG8tbG92ZS1waWNrLTIwMjUtZHJhZnQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Head Coach John Harbaugh has already expressed excitement about the flexibility Starks brings, allowing the team to move pieces around and keep opposing offenses guessing [B](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/malaki-starks-ravens-reasons-to-love-pick-2025-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL21hbGFraS1zdGFya3MtcmF2ZW5zLXJlYXNvbnMtdG8tbG92ZS1waWNrLTIwMjUtZHJhZnQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Natural Playmaker
From the moment he stepped onto the field as a freshman at Georgia, Starks demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays. His leaping interception against Oregon in his first collegiate game set the tone for a career filled with highlight-reel moments [B](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/malaki-starks-ravens-reasons-to-love-pick-2025-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL21hbGFraS1zdGFya3MtcmF2ZW5zLXJlYXNvbnMtdG8tbG92ZS1waWNrLTIwMjUtZHJhZnQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His instincts, ball skills, and ability to read the game make him a valuable asset for a Ravens defense looking to create more turnovers in crucial moments [B](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/malaki-starks-ravens-reasons-to-love-pick-2025-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL21hbGFraS1zdGFya3MtcmF2ZW5zLXJlYXNvbnMtdG8tbG92ZS1waWNrLTIwMjUtZHJhZnQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### High Praise from Experts
The selection of Starks has been met with widespread acclaim. Analysts have praised the Ravens for landing a player who was projected to go much earlier in the draft [C](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-malaki-starks-pick-grades-a-day-2-mock-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL3JhdmVucy1tYWxha2ktc3RhcmtzLXBpY2stZ3JhZGVzLWEtZGF5LTItbW9jay1kcmFmdCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His football intelligence, leadership, and ability to adapt to different defensive roles have earned him comparisons to some of the best safeties in the league [C](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-malaki-starks-pick-grades-a-day-2-mock-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL3JhdmVucy1tYWxha2ktc3RhcmtzLXBpY2stZ3JhZGVzLWEtZGF5LTItbW9jay1kcmFmdCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Many believe that pairing him with Kyle Hamilton will give Baltimore one of the most dynamic safety duos in the NFL [C](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-malaki-starks-pick-grades-a-day-2-mock-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmJhbHRpbW9yZXJhdmVucy5jb21cL25ld3NcL3JhdmVucy1tYWxha2ktc3RhcmtzLXBpY2stZ3JhZGVzLWEtZGF5LTItbW9jay1kcmFmdCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### The Road Ahead
While Starks has all the tools to succeed at the professional level, the transition to the NFL is never easy. He will need to refine his coverage skills and adjust to the speed of the game. However, with the Ravens’ track record of developing defensive talent and Starks’ own work ethic, there is little doubt that he will thrive in Baltimore [D](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/draft-picks-baltimore-ravens-nfl-2025-football/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic25ld3MuY29tXC9iYWx0aW1vcmVcL25ld3NcL2RyYWZ0LXBpY2tzLWJhbHRpbW9yZS1yYXZlbnMtbmZsLTIwMjUtZm9vdGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to contribute immediately while also growing into a leadership role makes him one of the most exciting additions to the Ravens’ roster in recent years [D](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/draft-picks-baltimore-ravens-nfl-2025-football/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic25ld3MuY29tXC9iYWx0aW1vcmVcL25ld3NcL2RyYWZ0LXBpY2tzLWJhbHRpbW9yZS1yYXZlbnMtbmZsLTIwMjUtZm9vdGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Conclusion
The Ravens’ decision to draft Malaki Starks was a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way. His versatility, intelligence, and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s defense. If he lives up to his potential, Starks could become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ secondary for years to come, proving once again that Baltimore knows how to find and develop elite defensive talent [D](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/draft-picks-baltimore-ravens-nfl-2025-football/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJRSlRXZEx6d0dBTWhNRWJBZ01acGYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicXNjRkZQZmVOM2U1R2RicEdmdjF4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic25ld3MuY29tXC9iYWx0aW1vcmVcL25ld3NcL2RyYWZ0LXBpY2tzLWJhbHRpbW9yZS1yYXZlbnMtbmZsLTIwMjUtZm9vdGJhbGxcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
