The Baltimore Ravens made a highly strategic pick with the selection of Georgia safety Malaki Starks at 27th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for their commitment to building a strong defense, the Ravens have always valued physicality, versatility, and intelligence on the field, and Starks epitomizes these qualities. This pick not only strengthens the team’s secondary but also reflects a broader vision of continuing to compete in the tough AFC North and making a run at the Super Bowl.
In this analysis, we will delve deep into Starks’ career at Georgia, his playing style, what he brings to the Ravens, and how this selection fits into the team’s long-term strategy.
Malaki Starks’ Background and Career at Georgia
Malaki Starks is a product of the renowned University of Georgia football program, one of the best defensive teams in college football. Starks, a native of Jefferson, Georgia, made an immediate impact upon stepping onto the field for the Bulldogs. He was a standout prospect out of high school and quickly established himself as a key player in Georgia’s elite defense.
Early Years and High School Career
Starks was an all-around athlete in high school, excelling in both football and basketball. His athleticism, vision, and ability to read the game set him apart early on. As a five-star recruit, Starks was widely regarded as one of the best safety prospects in the 2022 class. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence made him a highly coveted player across the nation.
He committed to Georgia in 2022, opting to stay in-state and continue his football development under the tutelage of head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs had a history of producing elite defensive backs, and Starks saw the opportunity to further hone his craft alongside some of the best coaches and teammates in the country.
Georgia Career
Starks wasted no time making his mark at Georgia. In his freshman season, he started immediately, showcasing his instincts, ability to play both in the box and as a deep safety, and his ball skills. Starks’ playmaking ability was highlighted throughout his career with the Bulldogs, including an interception during the College Football Playoff National Championship game, which highlighted his ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
By his sophomore season, Starks had become one of the cornerstones of Georgia’s defense. His ability to be a physical presence in the secondary, his deep coverage skills, and his versatility made him a key asset. He played a significant role in Georgia’s continued dominance, including a national championship win in the 2023 season.
Starks’ experience playing in both the SEC and on the national stage has prepared him for the NFL’s high expectations. His leadership, maturity, and football IQ were evident, which made him a perfect fit for an NFL team looking to improve its secondary.
Playing Style and Skillset
Malaki Starks is a versatile safety with the ability to play both as a free safety and a strong safety. His athleticism is his most striking feature. At 6’1″ and 210 pounds, he has the ideal size for an NFL safety, combining strength with agility. His top-tier speed and quick reaction times allow him to cover a significant amount of ground on the field, whether he’s breaking on the ball, covering deep routes, or coming up in run support.
Coverage Ability
One of Starks’ most impressive skills is his ability to cover a wide range of routes from the safety position. He can align deep in coverage, playing the traditional free safety role, but he’s also effective in man coverage against tight ends or running backs, thanks to his speed and fluidity in transition. His ball skills are another key asset—he’s adept at tracking the football, whether in deep coverage or making plays in the intermediate zones. Starks has demonstrated an innate ability to anticipate the quarterback’s decision, making him a high-level ball hawk. His three interceptions in his sophomore year were testament to his ability to read plays and make plays on the ball.
Versatility
What sets Starks apart from other safety prospects is his versatility. He’s not a one-dimensional player; rather, he’s capable of fulfilling multiple roles within a defense. Whether he’s in deep coverage, covering a slot receiver, or playing near the line of scrimmage, Starks can adjust and deliver. His versatility will be a huge asset in the Ravens’ defense, which often requires players to wear multiple hats and adjust to various offensive schemes.
Run Support and Physicality
Starks is a physical player who isn’t afraid to come down in the box and support the run defense. His tackling ability is solid, and he’s a sure tackler in the open field. He is quick to recognize when the offense is setting up for a run play and can close down on ball carriers with speed and power. His ability to break down plays and make open-field tackles will help the Ravens maintain their tough, hard-hitting defensive identity.
Football IQ and Leadership
One of the intangibles that sets Starks apart is his high football IQ. He is a student of the game who consistently makes smart decisions on the field. Whether it’s reading the quarterback’s eyes or making the correct angle in pursuit of a ball carrier, Starks’ mental acumen is exceptional. His leadership skills also come through on the field. As a vocal presence in the secondary, Starks has the ability to command his unit and communicate effectively, a critical component in the complex defenses employed by the Ravens.
Fit with the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are known for having one of the most respected defenses in the NFL. Historically, they’ve built their identity around strong defenses that can shut down the run and pressure the quarterback. With the selection of Malaki Starks, they have added a versatile safety who can contribute in both the passing game and run defense.
Secondary Needs
The Ravens’ secondary has been a focus of improvement in recent seasons. While they have a solid cornerback corps, including Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, their safety position has been a bit more inconsistent. Starks provides the Ravens with an instant upgrade at safety, adding a player who can cover a lot of ground in both man and zone coverage. He will likely play alongside veteran safety Kyle Hamilton, giving the Ravens a dynamic safety tandem. Hamilton’s skillset as a deep safety combined with Starks’ ability to cover a variety of roles will allow the Ravens to create a secondary that is both dynamic and hard to break down.
Starks’ ability to come down into the box and provide run support will also be valuable for the Ravens, who rely on a physical, run-stopping defense. He will be able to assist in controlling the line of scrimmage and closing down running lanes, especially in the AFC North, where teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are known for their strong running games.
Defensive Versatility
Another key reason why Starks fits so well with the Ravens is the team’s emphasis on defensive versatility. Ravens’ defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is known for utilizing players who can fill multiple roles, and Starks fits this mold perfectly. Whether it’s lining up as a deep safety, moving up to play in the box, or even being used in certain blitz packages, Starks can contribute in numerous ways. This flexibility allows the Ravens to disguise their defensive coverages and give offensive coordinators fits.
Long-Term Impact
In the long run, Starks’ presence in the secondary will provide the Ravens with a player who can be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. At just 21 years old, Starks has the potential to develop into one of the NFL’s top safeties. His combination of physical tools, high football IQ, and experience playing in big games will enable him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Comparison to Other Safety Prospects
While there were other top safety prospects in the 2025 draft class, such as Brian Branch from Alabama and Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M, Starks’ all-around skill set and his ability to contribute in various aspects of the game set him apart. His ability to play in multiple schemes, both in coverage and run defense, gives him an edge over other prospects.
By selecting Malaki Starks with the 27th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens have added a dynamic, versatile, and physically gifted safety to their roster. Starks brings a combination of football IQ, coverage skills, and physicality that will immediately contribute to the team’s defensive success. As the Ravens continue to build a championship-caliber defense, Starks is a crucial piece in their long-term plans.
Starks’ addition enhances the secondary and solidifies the Ravens’ already-impressive defense. His versatility will allow defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to deploy him in various roles, and his leadership and playmaking ability will make an immediate impact. With Starks in the fold, the Ravens have once again bolstered their defense for a potential Super Bowl run in the years to come.
