“Ravens Rookie Minicamp Buzz: Malaki Starks Leads Early, Harbaugh Gives Injury Updates”

The Baltimore Ravens officially kicked off their rookie minicamp this weekend, offering the first real glimpse of the 2025 draft class and undrafted free agent signees in purple and black. Among the standout storylines from the opening session was the immediate presence and leadership shown by first-round safety Malaki Starks, who wasted no time demonstrating why the Ravens were willing to make a bold move to land him.

In addition to Starks’ early impact, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided several key injury updates and shared insights into the development of other rookies trying to carve out a roster spot. Let’s take a detailed look at all the buzz coming out of The Lounge and Baltimore’s rookie camp.

It’s not often that a rookie walks into an NFL facility and starts acting like a captain from Day One. But according to those in attendance, that’s exactly what Malaki Starks did.

The former Georgia Bulldog, known for his versatility, instincts, and big-game experience, immediately took command of the secondary unit during drills and walkthroughs. Whether it was calling out adjustments, encouraging his teammates between reps, or flashing elite anticipation in coverage, Starks was everywhere — both physically and vocally.

“He just looks like he belongs,” one Ravens staffer told The Lounge. “There’s a confidence about him, but it’s humble. You can tell he’s been part of a winning culture.”

That culture was, of course, Georgia’s — a program that’s produced back-to-back-to-back top-tier NFL talent on the defensive side. Starks played a central role in Georgia’s elite defense the past two seasons and was often referred to as the “defensive quarterback” in the Bulldogs’ secondary.

Now, in Baltimore, he’s being asked to bring that same level of communication and confidence to a team that prides itself on defense.

“He’s sharp,” Harbaugh said following Saturday’s practice. “You give him the playbook, and he’s already asking about variations, alignments, motion checks — the guy just loves football. He’s a Raven through and through.”

One of the reasons Baltimore drafted Starks was his ability to do just about everything on the back end. In college, he lined up at deep safety, in the box, and even over the slot in dime packages. That versatility is already being tested in rookie camp.

On Saturday, Starks was seen rotating through multiple roles in defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s early concepts. While most of the playbook is still being installed, it’s clear the Ravens view Starks as a chess piece rather than a player limited to a single position.

“We’re going to move him around a little bit,” Harbaugh said. “We know he’s got the range to cover sideline to sideline, but he’s also physical enough to step into the box. We’re just starting to see what’s possible.”

While the rookie minicamp was mostly about evaluation and early development, Coach Harbaugh took some time after practice to address a few lingering injury concerns from the offseason.

Baltimore’s third-round pick Adisa Isaac was spotted on the sideline in street clothes for most of the session. According to Harbaugh, the Ravens are taking a cautious approach due to a minor hamstring tweak Isaac suffered during his pre-draft training.

“Nothing serious,” Harbaugh said. “We just didn’t want to push it this early. He’ll be fine and should be full-go by OTAs.”

Isaac, a high-motor pass rusher with a powerful first step, is expected to provide rotational value immediately and could push for a bigger role depending on his camp performance.

There were also questions about Devontez Walker, the speedy wideout taken in the fourth round, who has dealt with recurring knee soreness in the past. However, Harbaugh reassured reporters that Walker is fully cleared.

“He’s 100% — looked good out there,” Harbaugh said. “We monitored his reps just to be smart, but he’s been moving well and catching everything.”

Walker brings a much-needed vertical element to the Ravens’ offense and could be a sneaky contributor if he develops chemistry with Lamar Jackson.

While all eyes were on Malaki Starks, several other rookies earned praise from coaches and onlookers during the first few sessions.

Grable was considered a developmental tackle with upside, but he’s already turning heads with his footwork and length. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris praised the rookie’s coachability and progress.

“He’s raw, no doubt, but he’s got traits you can’t teach,” D’Alessandris said. “If he keeps stacking good days, we’ll find a role for him.”

With Morgan Moses entering the final stages of his career and Ronnie Stanley dealing with repeated injuries, a young tackle like Grable could be vital long-term.

Another intriguing name was Beaux Collins, an undrafted free agent from Clemson who many thought would be a mid-round pick. Collins hauled in several contested catches and showed smooth route running — a surprise standout.

“He’s hungry,” said receivers coach Greg Lewis. “I told him, ‘You’ve got a shot here.’ And he’s attacking every rep like he believes that.”

With the depth chart still fluid behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, Collins could push for a practice squad or WR5 spot if he maintains his momentum.

Ravens fans are used to high expectations, but there’s a quiet urgency around the team this year. After falling short in the AFC Championship Game to Kansas City, the Ravens are embracing their identity and putting rookies on notice that they’re not just here to “learn the ropes.”

“This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a reload,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve got a Super Bowl-caliber roster, and these guys are here to help push us over the top.”

That mindset was echoed in practice, where intensity was noticeable despite the non-padded sessions. Rookies were flying to the ball, and even walkthroughs were done at a crisp pace.

When asked about stepping into a leadership role so early, Starks handled the attention with humility and maturity.

“I’m just trying to do my job,” he said. “The vets aren’t here yet, so I’m trying to set the tone and lead by example. Once the full squad’s in, I just want to earn their respect.”

Starks also mentioned that he’s already connected with several veteran defenders through text, including Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith.

“They’ve been great — told me to keep my head down and stay in the playbook. I’m taking that to heart.”

Another common theme from rookie camp was accountability. Position coaches were vocal about mistakes but also quick to praise players who responded well to corrections.

“This is the time to mess up,” Harbaugh said. “But what we care about is whether they learn from it. You can’t coach resilience. You can only see it.”

Malaki Starks apparently had one such moment early in practice when he misread a receiver motion and allowed a soft completion in zone coverage. Instead of sulking, he corrected it on the next rep, undercutting a similar route for a would-be interception.

“That’s what makes him special,” one scout noted. “He processes quickly, and he doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

The minicamp officially wraps up Sunday, but players will remain in Baltimore for several more weeks as part of the offseason training program. OTAs begin later this month, with veteran participation, which will offer another test for rookies trying to prove they belong.

Starks, who has already emerged as a tone-setter, will get his first chance to work alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton in the secondary, a potential pairing that has fans and analysts buzzing about the Ravens’ future defensive dominance.

“They’re different players, but they complement each other well,” said defensive backs coach Chris Hewitt. “That’s going to be fun to watch develop.”

The early returns from the Ravens’ rookie minicamp are overwhelmingly positive. Malaki Starks is already showing signs of becoming the franchise’s next defensive cornerstone. Other rookies like Tylan Grable, Beaux Collins, and Devontez Walker are making early pushes to earn their spot in a competitive roster room.

Harbaugh’s tone was consistent throughout the weekend: This is a group that’s expected to contribute — not just develop.

“This is a high standard program,” he reminded everyone. “If you’re in this building, it’s because we believe you can help us win.”

With rookie energy blending into a veteran-laden roster and another Super Bowl push looming, all signs point to another exciting — and potentially historic — season in Baltimore.