Ravens strengthen secondary with addition of Malaki Starks

The Baltimore Ravens selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 27th overall.

Baltimore is aiming to improve its secondary with the selection of Starks. The addition of the 21-year-old should help the Ravens eliminate some of the explosive passing plays that plagued the unit last season.

The Ravens used their first-round selection on a defensive back for a second consecutive year after drafting cornerback Nate Wiggins in 2024. Starks is poised to join a safety room that is led by two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Hamilton.

Starks recorded 197 tackles 23 passes defended, and six interceptions during his career at Georgia.

Pre-draft profile

Starks was used all over the field at Georgia, including as a slot corner, but he seems best-suited for a role in the deep middle. He makes his greatest impact in the passing game when he can use his instincts and range in coverage. While he's not the most spectacular straight-line athlete, you'd never know it based on his ability to cover ground. Starks' fluid movement skills are a big part of that equation. He tracks the ball in the air like a center fielder, and he's shown the ability to go up and get it for takeaways. His tackling ability ran hot and cold in college, but he flashed enough upside to indicate he could be a strong run defender. Starks is a do-it-all weapon who should make an instant impression for his next team.