Ravens draft Georgia safety Malaki Starks late in first-round

With the 27th pick of the 2025 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks. Teams were making trades around the Ravens, but Baltimore stayed patient and got the player that they wanted.

The Ravens adding Starks forms a top safety duo with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton.

Starks is leaving Georgia as a three-year starter, three-time All-American, and a national champion. Starks has made quite the impression to assure that he is a top safety in this year’s draft.

With his length, athleticism, and speed, Starks is a versatile safety capable of covering sideline to sideline. His strong football IQ and quickness are assets in preventing deep throws. He possesses the speed to match receivers on vertical routes and outstanding body control, which contributes to his ability to make highlight-reel interceptions as he did in both season openers 2022 vs. Oregon and 2024 vs. Clemson.

Starks’ versatility as free safety and as nickel corner should help him adjust to the NFL. Starks’ best play comes when he is asked to play the center fielder role of the defense

The Baltimore Ravens have selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the 27th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, bolstering their secondary with a versatile and high-IQ defender.

Starks, a 6’1″, 197-pound safety from Jefferson, Georgia, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to Baltimore. Over three seasons at Georgia, he amassed 197 tackles, five interceptions, and numerous pass breakups. His college career was distinguished by multiple honors, including All-American and All-SEC selections, and he was a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Jim Thorpe and Bronco Nagurski Awards.
Baltimore Beatdown

Known for his consistency, field awareness, and leadership, Starks is expected to complement fellow safety Kyle Hamilton, allowing for dynamic defensive alignments, including three-safety packages. This pairing provides Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr with flexibility to utilize both players in various roles—coverage, blitzing, or as run-stoppers. Starks also offers a long-term solution, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Ar’Darius Washington’s future and the departure of Marcus Williams.
Baltimore Beatdown

While Starks’ athletic traits are solid, highlighted by impressive performances at the NFL Combine, his true value lies in his football intelligence, instincts, and versatility. These qualities make him a strategic addition to the Ravens’ defense, enhancing their ability to compete against elite quarterbacks in the AFC.
Baltimore Beatdown

The Ravens’ selection of Starks is viewed as a significant move to strengthen their secondary and maintain their competitive edge in the league.