The Baltimore Ravens didnât expect Malaki Starks to be there at 27. Then again, they didnât expect Kyle Hamilton to be available at 14th overall two years ago, either. When the right defensive back slides into their lap, the Ravens rarely hesitate.
Georgiaâs Starks was widely seen as the top safety in the 2025 draft, a versatile, instinctive weapon who lined up everywhere for the Bulldogsâdeep safety, in the box, and in the slot. That kind of flexibility made him an ideal fit for Baltimore, where defensive coordinator Zach Orr has made it clear that range and versatility are non-negotiable traits.
âHeâs a playmaker, a ballhawk, and most importantly, heâs a dog,â Orr said during Starksâ intro presser. âHe loves ball. Thatâs what weâre looking for in Baltimore.â
A Pro Day Performance That Sealed It
Starks didnât just shine on tapeâhe left the Ravens coaching staff buzzing after his Georgia Pro Day. Orr, who attended in person, watched the safety light up the field with elite movement, ball skills, and athleticism that turned heads across the league.
âHe made a catch backpedaling, broke on the ball, made a ridiculous grab and jumped right over some rope in one motion,â Orr said. âEveryone was wowed. I honestly didnât think heâd make it to us after that.â
Josh Reed of Sports Illustrated echoed the sentiment, writing that the Ravens âlanded a potential cornerstone defender without having to move a muscle.â
Starks becomes just the fourth safety ever taken in the first round by Baltimore. The list he joins is short but loaded: Ed Reed, Matt Elam, and Hamilton. That legacy isnât lost on him.
âI take pride in it,â Starks said. âItâs about showing respect for the guys who came before and paving the way for the ones coming next.â
In a draft class heavy on offense early, the Ravens once again leaned into what they know: let the board come to them, and when a blue-chip defender falls, pounce.
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