OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — In a move that has the potential to reshape their defensive backfield, the Baltimore Ravens selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night, April 24, 2025. General manager Eric DeCosta described Starks’ interview at the combine as one of the most impressive he has ever witnessed, highlighting the player's remarkable football acumen. “I just think it was remarkable, the way that he could discuss football,” DeCosta stated. “His ability to call out the plays from their defense before we even showed the plays, just based on formation. His ability to dissect and talk about what happened on any given play, and know what his teammates were doing on any given play. It was like he was a coach.”
Starks, who stands at 6-foot and weighs 197 pounds, brings a versatile skill set that the Ravens hope will bolster their secondary, which struggled at times last season. His selection marks the second consecutive year the Ravens have used their first-round pick on a defensive back, following the 2024 draft where they chose Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins. With the addition of Starks, the Ravens are looking to enhance their pass defense, which was a concern early in the previous season.
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism about Starks’ ability to complement star safety Kyle Hamilton. “It definitely gives us that option. It's not to say that Kyle won't be back there because he will be,” Harbaugh said. “But the good news is, the offense isn't going to know who's going to be back there on any given play. Not going to be able to line up and say, ‘OK, Kyle’s going to be deep.'”
Malaki Starks had an impressive college career, leading the Bulldogs in tackles last season and earning second-team All-American honors. He made a significant impact at Georgia, where he played in 42 games and started as a true freshman. His stats include six interceptions, 23 passes defended, and a total of 197 tackles. Starks’ ability to play both free and strong safety, as well as his experience in the slot, makes him an intriguing addition to the Ravens’ defense.
“He covers people man to man. He comes up and tackles people. He plays nickel zone responsibility, which is really kind of tricky. He's got a good feel for that. In the deep middle, he's got range,” Harbaugh noted, emphasizing Starks’ multifaceted game. The Ravens are excited about the prospect of utilizing Starks in various roles, which could allow them to be more unpredictable on defense.
Starks himself shared his excitement about being drafted by the Ravens, recounting the moment he received the call. “I was sitting on the couch about to play Uno. It's been a long night, so I was just trying to stay calm through the whole thing. I heard the phone ring and I knew I was a Raven,” he said, reflecting on the anticipation of the draft.
In the broader context of the draft, Starks was the third Georgia Bulldog selected in the first round, following edge rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker. This showcases the strength of Georgia's football program, which has produced several top-tier defensive talents. DeCosta pointed out the importance of selecting experienced players from winning programs, stating, “Experienced guys from winning programs. That’s something that we definitely look for.”
The Ravens, who finished the previous season with a strong performance, are looking to build on their success and address any weaknesses in their roster. With Starks joining a secondary that already includes Hamilton and Wiggins, the team is poised to have one of the most formidable safety trios in the league.
As the draft continues, the Ravens still have ten more picks to make, with their next selection coming in the second round at 59th overall. This allows them further opportunities to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. The franchise has a history of making strategic choices in the draft, and the selection of Starks is a testament to their commitment to enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Overall, the addition of Malaki Starks not only addresses a need in the Ravens’ secondary but also adds depth and versatility to their defensive scheme. As the team gears up for the next NFL season, fans are eager to see how Starks will fit into the Ravens’ plans and contribute to their quest for another AFC North title.
