Malaki Starks of Georgia is selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the world of professional football, few moments are as transformative as the NFL Draft. For the players selected, it represents the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the game they love. For Malaki Starks, a rising star from the University of Georgia, his selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens is not just the beginning of a new chapter in his life but the realization of a dream that has been years in the making.
Starks, a highly versatile and talented safety, quickly became one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 draft class. His selection by the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise known for its strong defensive history and emphasis on physicality, is a match made in football heaven. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Starks’ journey to the NFL, what makes him such an appealing prospect for the Ravens, and what we can expect from him as he embarks on his professional career.
Born and raised in the state of Georgia, Malaki Starks was always destined to play football. From a young age, he showed a natural aptitude for the game, impressing coaches, teammates, and rivals alike with his athleticism, football IQ, and leadership. By the time he reached high school, Starks was already a standout player, receiving recognition as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
Starks played his high school football at Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Georgia. His combination of size, speed, and awareness on the field allowed him to dominate both as a safety and a wide receiver. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate routes, and make critical tackles in the open field quickly garnered attention from college scouts. But what really set him apart was his versatility. Starks was not just a one-dimensional player; he could play multiple positions on both sides of the ball, a trait that would only add to his value at the collegiate level and beyond.
In his senior year, Starks earned All-American honors, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays both on defense and special teams. By the time he graduated, Starks had offers from nearly every major college football program in the country, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and play for the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
At Georgia, Starks quickly made an impact on one of the most storied defenses in college football. As a freshman, he was thrust into a prominent role in a highly competitive secondary, and he did not disappoint. His first season in Athens saw him notch several key interceptions, break up numerous passes, and showcase his remarkable range as a safety. But beyond the box scores, it was Starks’ ability to read the game and his leadership on and off the field that made him a standout.
Under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and the esteemed Georgia coaching staff, Starks continued to refine his skills. His ability to play both the run and pass with equal effectiveness made him a key cog in Georgia’s defense, which was often regarded as one of the most dominant in the nation. Throughout his three years at Georgia, Starks developed into a complete player, excelling not only in coverage but also as a physical tackler and a player who could disrupt opposing offenses with his playmaking ability.
During his sophomore season, Starks recorded 65 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups. His junior year saw even greater success, as he cemented his reputation as one of the top safeties in college football. He was named to several All-SEC teams and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.
Starks’ success at Georgia was not limited to individual accolades. He was part of a Bulldogs team that consistently contended for national championships and SEC titles, and in 2024, Starks helped lead Georgia to another playoff appearance. His leadership, maturity, and playmaking ability in critical moments helped set the tone for a defense that was feared across the college football landscape.
When it comes to evaluating Malaki Starks, it is impossible to ignore his versatility. Starks is a player who can thrive in multiple roles within a defense. Whether it’s as a traditional free safety, a strong safety, or even in a hybrid linebacker-safety role, Starks’ athleticism and intelligence allow him to be effective in a variety of positions.
This versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has historically valued adaptability and physicality in its defensive players. Under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens have employed a scheme that requires players to be multi-dimensional, and Starks fits the bill perfectly. He has the ability to line up anywhere in the secondary, whether it’s deep in coverage or closer to the line of scrimmage to support the run defense. His quickness, ball skills, and physicality make him an asset in both man and zone coverage schemes, and he excels at reading quarterbacks and jumping passing lanes.
One of the most impressive aspects of Starks’ game is his ability to contribute in various phases of defense. In addition to his prowess as a ball hawk in pass coverage, Starks is a sure tackler in the open field. He is not afraid to step up and support the run game, and his ability to diagnose plays before they unfold allows him to be disruptive behind the line of scrimmage. Starks has the potential to be an every-down player, making plays in all areas of the game.
From a physical standpoint, Starks is everything you want in a safety. He stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 210 pounds, with the frame and athleticism to match. He ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, which is exceptional for a player of his size. His quickness and agility allow him to cover a lot of ground, while his strength and tackling ability make him a formidable presence against both the pass and the run.
Starks’ football IQ is another reason he was highly coveted by NFL teams. He has an innate ability to read offensive formations and anticipate plays, which makes him a dangerous weapon in the secondary. His leadership qualities are also worth noting. Even as a young player, Starks has demonstrated an ability to elevate the play of his teammates and serve as a vocal leader on the field.
The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their strong defensive play. The franchise has a rich history of producing some of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history, with legendary players such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs leaving their mark on the team’s culture. The Ravens’ defense is built on toughness, physicality, and versatility, and Malaki Starks embodies all of these traits.
Under head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens have built a defense that is capable of adapting to any situation. With Starks in the fold, the Ravens’ defense will become even more dynamic. Whether he is playing center field as a deep safety, supporting the run, or lining up in a hybrid role, Starks will give the Ravens the flexibility to mix up their defensive schemes and keep opposing offenses on their toes.
Starks’ arrival in Baltimore will also provide a boost to the Ravens’ secondary, which has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons but has also been inconsistent at times. With Starks’ ball-hawking ability, playmaking skills, and leadership, the Ravens will have a young, talented safety who can help solidify their back end and contribute to their overall defensive success.
As Starks begins his professional career with the Ravens, expectations will be high, but so too is his potential. The transition from college football to the NFL is never easy, but Starks’ combination of physical talent, football intelligence, and versatility gives him the tools necessary to succeed at the highest level.
In his rookie season, Starks will likely be thrust into a significant role on defense. Given the Ravens’ emphasis on defense, it is expected that Starks will see substantial playing time early in his career, possibly as a starter. He will likely compete for the starting free safety spot, although his ability to contribute in multiple positions could lead to him being used in various packages. Starks’ ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays will make him an integral part of the Ravens’ defense from day one.
As Starks continues to develop, his impact will only grow. With the right coaching and a strong supporting cast, he has the potential to become one of the top safeties in the NFL. His versatility gives the Ravens a unique weapon on defense, and his leadership will be invaluable as he grows into a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Malaki Starks’ selection by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful career. His unique blend of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defense, and his leadership will help elevate the play of his teammates. Starks’ journey from a highly-touted high school prospect to one of the top defensive players in college football has been nothing short of impressive, and he is ready to take the next step in his professional career. As he dons the purple and black of the Ravens, Starks has the potential to become the next great player in a long line of legendary Baltimore defenders.