Ravens Injury Opens Gates for Rookie Breakout

Last year the Baltimore Ravens' secondary was anchored by two excellent seasons from safeties Kyle Hamilton and Ar'Darius Washington. Still, the Ravens chose to pick the best player available in this offseason's NFL Draft, who happened to be arguably the best safety in the class in Malaki Starks.

The assumption was that Hamilton and Washington would still man the defensive backfield to guide Starks' development, but head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Zach Orr may have to give the rookie an earlier taste of action than expected.

Last month, Washington suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a conditioning workout. He's expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.

It's a brutal blow for Baltimore's young star and the teams' defense, but now the attention turns to whether or not Starks can fill in.

Fox Sports' David Helman believes this full-time opportunity, despite the unfortunate circumstance, should be of great benefit to the former Georgia Bulldog drafted No. 27 overall.

Starks was named the Ravens' most likely breakout candidate. With it being his rookie season, he could be poised to kickstart a promising career if he performs well in Year 1.

"There’s still a ton of talent in the Ravens’ secondary, but it would be big if Starks is ready for a big role from the jump," Helman wrote.

Starks is a versatile defender with great instincts in the open field. His resume features a list of high-level experience as a three-year starter for one of college football's best defenses.

Last season, he earned Second Team All-American honors after leading Georgia in tackles (77) and adding four tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception.

With the increase in reps, Starks could be an early front runner for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award this season.

Baltimore's defense dropped off a bit in 2024 compared to 2023 with Orr being in his first year in the position. His job doesn't get easier now that Washington is injured, but if Starks can make an immediate impact, it won't cause much drop off and would add to the Ravens' reputation of always having an elite defense.