Ravens rookie Malaki Starks is already receiving special praise ahead of camp

Prior to the 2025 Draft, the Baltimore Ravens were already one of the most talented teams in the league. The team then fortified their standing by selecting safety Malaki Starks in the first round. Starks was viewed as one of the best prospects in the entire class, and he’s being dropped into a defense that doesn’t need much help.

Experts believe that will be mutually beneficial for the Ravens and the rookie. The safety will be able to play free in a specific role since he’ll be surrounded by so many elite players, and in turn, Baltimore will get an immediate contributor with the potential to be elite. That’s why it’s no doubt Starks will be the best rookie in the AFC North in 2025.

That was made clear in a recent ESPN piece, where reporters were asked several questions about the league’s toughest division. When asked who will be the best rookie, the four reporters unanimously answered Malaki Starks.

Malaki Starks unanimously predicted to be the best rookie in NFC North

The sentiment was the same from all four reporters, Starks is an elite player joining an elite defense and franchise— that’s a recipe for success. He’ll be the other safety alongside Kyle Hamilton, the best safety in the league, and they’ll have the help of cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Jaire Alexander, and the promising Nate Wiggins. Not to mention the talent Baltimore has in the defensive front.

Additionally, Starks will have adequate reps by the time the regular season arrives. Since joining the team in OTAs, the rookie has taken first-team reps, and according to head coach John Harbaugh, he hasn’t made any mistakes. Soon, he’ll take the top reps in training camp as things start to turn up several notches. If the safety continues to look as good as he has, he’ll be well on his way to dominating the league.

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