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Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (DB50) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Analysis Names Ravens’ Most Dangerous Addition Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated May 26, 2025 7:09 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens have been recognized for making one of the most impactful additions of the offseason with the selection of safety Malaki Starks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Starks, a standout from Georgia, brings a unique combination of versatility, athleticism, and intelligence that could transform the team’s defense.

Starks’ ability to excel in multiple roles sets him apart as a rookie poised to make an immediate impact. He can dominate as a single-high safety, split-field defender, or nickel corner, giving Baltimore a dynamic weapon in their secondary. His presence alongside Kyle Hamilton creates a formidable duo, offering Baltimore new opportunities to confuse offenses with creative defensive schemes.

Analysts have highlighted Starks’ intelligence and adaptability as critical to his potential success in the NFL. His ability to read plays and elevate the performance of those around him has already generated high expectations from the team’s coaching staff. These traits, combined with his athletic ability, make him a key figure in the team’s plans for the upcoming season.

Baltimore’s decision to address their defensive needs by drafting Starks reflects their commitment to improving a unit that struggled at times last year. The coaching staff will use OTAs and training camp to explore the best ways to utilize his diverse skill set. This adaptability ensures that Starks will be a cornerstone of the team’s defensive strategy.

NFL Analysis Names Malaki Starks as Baltimore Ravens Most Dangerous Addition Before 2025 Season

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) picks off a pass during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Ball State in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

As it stands, Starks is projected to play an important role for Baltimore next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brent Sobreski for Bleacher Report.

The Baltimore Ravens saw a problem its defense had last season and immediately fixed it with their first-round selection of Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

During the first half of the 2024 campaign, the Ravens offense struggled mightily. The unit finally got on track over the second half once the Ravens coaching staff moved All-Pro defensive back Kyle Hamilton from strong to free safety.

As good as Hamilton is, he’s a natural strong safety and Starks has been a playmaker along the back end from the day he stepped onto Georgia’s campus, where he started a true freshman on a national championship-winning and all-time great defense.

As Baltimore prepares for the 2025 season, Starks represents a beacon of optimism for fans and analysts alike. His arrival signals a calculated effort to build a defense that can compete at the highest level in a demanding AFC landscape.

Oct 28, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) during the second half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

With expectations high, Starks has the chance to redefine Baltimore’s defense and establish himself as one of the league’s most exciting rookies. His journey will be one to watch as the Ravens aim to contend for postseason success.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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