When the Ravens selected Starks with their first-round pick, some questioned whether a safety was the most pressing need. However, Baltimore’s front office, led by GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, believed that Starks had the talent, versatility, and football IQ to transcend positional need. So far, they’ve been proven right. From day one of rookie minicamp to the most recent team practices, Starks has stood out in all the right ways.
Starks’ physical gifts are obvious. At 6’1″ and just over 205 pounds, he brings the ideal combination of size, speed, and strength for a modern NFL safety. He ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day, displaying the elite range needed to cover ground sideline-to-sideline. But what’s impressed Ravens coaches even more than the measurables is how quickly Starks is picking up the Ravens’ defensive system and applying it on the field.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has praised Starks for his rapid learning curve. “It’s not just about the speed or the hits—though he’s got both in spades,” Orr said in a recent interview. “It’s how quickly he diagnoses plays, adjusts pre-snap, and communicates with guys around him. That’s rare for a rookie, especially at safety, where you’re basically the quarterback of the defense.”
Veterans have noticed too. Marcus Williams, Baltimore’s current starting free safety, has taken Starks under his wing, and the two have developed a budding relationship both on and off the field. “You can tell when someone’s different, when they’ve got ‘it,’” Williams said. “Malaki’s one of those guys. He’s humble, works hard, and doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”
Even All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith chimed in with praise, noting that Starks’ presence behind him gives him more freedom to be aggressive. “When you know the guy behind you is gonna clean up anything that leaks past, it lets you play faster. Malaki’s already earning that trust.”
Perhaps the most notable impact of Starks’ arrival has been on the overall energy of the defense. Known for their physicality and relentless pursuit, the Ravens’ defense has taken on a new edge in offseason workouts with Starks in the mix. There’s a noticeable buzz when he’s on the field—whether it’s breaking up a pass, laying a shoulder into a ball carrier, or sprinting 30 yards downfield to chase a play from behind.
While it’s still early, many around the organization believe Starks could be a Day 1 starter. The Ravens have traditionally eased their rookies into major roles, but Starks is making it hard for the coaching staff to keep him off the field. His ability to play both free and strong safety, as well as in-the-box and slot coverage roles, gives Baltimore the type of flexibility modern NFL defenses crave.
His college tape was filled with highlight-reel plays—pick-sixes, forced fumbles, game-saving tackles—but those who’ve watched him up close since his arrival in Baltimore say the live-action version is even more impressive. He’s fast, yes, but he’s also smart, disciplined, and mature beyond his years. Coaches have pointed to his film study habits, his questions in team meetings, and his willingness to ask for feedback as signs of a player who isn’t just trying to play but trying to dominate.
There’s also a quiet confidence about Starks. He’s not a trash-talker or showboater. Instead, he carries himself with the calm assurance of someone who knows he belongs and is ready to prove it. “I just want to earn my spot,” Starks said after a recent practice. “This team has a tradition of great defense. I want to contribute to that legacy and help us win championships.”
His teammates have noticed that attitude too. Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey shared a moment during OTAs when Starks corrected a coverage call before the snap and saved the defense from a potential big play. “That’s a vet move,” Humphrey said. “And he’s doing it in his first couple weeks. That tells you everything.”
In today’s NFL, where defensive backs are tasked with covering more ground and handling more responsibilities than ever before, having a player like Starks is a game-changer. His ability to disguise coverages, close on the ball, and deliver punishing hits makes him a unique asset. But it’s his mentality—the dedication to mastering his craft and earning the trust of his teammates—that truly separates him.
For the Ravens, who have Super Bowl aspirations in 2025, having an immediate contributor on a rookie deal is invaluable. With a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson on a massive contract, roster construction is more delicate than ever. A difference-maker on defense who’s also cost-controlled for four years can be the difference between a playoff team and a title contender.
If Starks continues on his current trajectory, Baltimore fans might be witnessing the birth of the next defensive star in the franchise’s long line of legends. And while it’s tempting to temper expectations with a rookie, every sign so far says Starks is ready for the challenge. Coaches say he’s doing things they don’t typically see from veterans until year two or three. Teammates say he fits in like he’s been there for years. And Ravens insiders say he’s been nothing short of spectacular.
The buzz surrounding Malaki Starks isn’t just about potential. It’s about production—already happening—and the clear sense that this young man is destined for greatness in the purple and black. Every practice, every rep, every film session adds more fuel to the fire of belief burning inside the organization.
It’s rare to see this kind of impact this early. But Malaki Starks isn’t your average rookie. And if the Ravens’ reactions are any indication, they’ve found something special. The only question now is just how high his ceiling really is. If his early days are any sign, the answer might be “Hall of Fame high.” For now, Baltimore will happily take a season of elite play, game-changing turnovers, and the kind of defensive presence that makes opposing offenses think twice about throwing over the middle.
In the end, it’s a perfect fit: a blue-collar, hard-nosed, football-obsessed young man landing in a city and franchise that lives and breathes defense. Malaki Starks isn’t just the Ravens’ latest first-round pick. He’s their newest identity. And Baltimore couldn’t be more excited about what comes next.
