Ravens' Malaki Starks Used to Lofty Expectations

Unlike some his teammates and fellow first round picks who were selected by the Ravens in Hamilton (2022) and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (2017) and Nate Wiggins (2024), Starks has been running with the first team defense since Day 1 and he won't be playing rotational to start his rookie year with a chance to develop and earn more snaps gradually. When the team opens the 2025 season against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football in a rematch of last year's agonizing Divisional Round loss, he will be lined up next to Hamilton in the backend from the first snap to the last.

"It's actually very similar to when I got to the University of Georgia," Starks said. "The depth that was in the room and the season that they're coming off of. Just like the expectations. My freshman year at Georgia and how I took it from my freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, I think it really allowed me to have an outlook on different things so to speak. Coming into a different place and just being adaptable and I think its been a huge help."

Shortly after getting drafted, Starks was asked which opposing quarterback he wanted to record an interception the most against and he responded with Bills starter and reigning league MVP, Josh Allen. He'll get his first chance in his very first game, an opportunity he can't wait to seize.

"I said it a few weeks ago. Somebody asked me who I wanted to pick off. I said, 'Josh Allen, first game,'" Starks said. "So, it's coming. I'm working on it."

Leaning on his veteran teammates and leaders for guidance and assistance as he acclimates to life in the NFL, the elevated speed of the game and different dimensions on the field are valuable resources he plans to take advantage of as much as he can.

"I'm a rookie. It's okay to be a rookie, and I understand that," Starks said. "I want to give myself that grace. But I also still have high standards for myself. I know the expectations that have been set. So, I'm just really trying to find a good balance within that process."

A common theme that was not only evident throughout his appearance on "The Lounge" but has been commended by his new coaches and teammates is Starks' maturity level and how it is well beyond that of the typical rookie. This character trait will serve him well in his transition from college star to NFL starter.

"[Starks] is a very mature player. That's why he's a first-round pick. He's the kind of guy that you would expect to be able to step into a role like that," head coach John Harbaugh said in June during OTAs. "With Ar'Darius' situation, he got thrust into that situation maybe a little sooner than we'd hoped, but he's embraced it. I expect him to do very well."