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Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks drops into covers during 2025 game.
Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks flashed skill and a high ceiling in 2025. How should he build upon the first-year foundation? The Baltimore Sun’s Sam Cohn believes that the second-year player out of Georgia can make an even greater impact on the Ravens’ defense.
“Nevertheless, a Hamilton-type trajectory would mean Starks could be a centerfield fixture for years to come.”
With the 27th pick, Baltimore made the former Bulldog their first-round pick and starter. Starks did not disappoint, notching 84 tackles and two interceptions, starting 15 of 17 games as a rookie.
Starks Provided a Solid Return on Investment
With Kyle Hamilton commanding more of the attention, the rookie slid under the radar. However, that didn’t stop him from not only contributing but also playing well in multiple facets. Starks tallied 84 tackles while only missing seven. Opponents could not get a rhythm while targeting him in the passing game.
He allowed just a 60.9% completion percentage with two touchdowns allowed in 1,065 snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 22nd-best safety in regard to run defense.
Normally, many view late first-round picks as luxuries, selected by playoff teams, whose margin for error is greater because the drafting organization can fill the position, either on the roster or in free agency.
GettyBaltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks celebrates.
Minter Scheme Impacts Starks From the Beginning
Head coach Jesse Minter first made his reputation in the defensive backfield. As a result, he prefers making the secondary a priority. For example, as the Los Angeles Chargers‘ defensive coordinator, safety Derwin James became the focal point of the defense. Last season, Minter deployed James all over the field, even rushing off the edge.
In Baltimore, Minter could envision that for Hamilton. With his size, he can knife through in run support. Additionally, cover the tight end and stalling out wide receivers that cross his face. Meanwhile, with Hamilton’s newly found responsibilities, Starks will need to patrol the deep middle, ensuring that deeper routes have a defender around them. Correctly, it’s not a single-high safety, but Starks will be the one making the play that far down the field.
“Where has Malaki Starks been at?”
Center field. Just watched all 47 of his coverage snaps, 90% of them he was taking 10-12 yard drops as soon as it snapped. Matched Njoku well on an underneath route.
Baited Flacco a few times. No passes over his head. Good job pic.twitter.com/ngxzwNBHo5
— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) September 16, 2025
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Improved Pass Rush Should Boost Starks’ Production
Last season, the Ravens tallied 30 sacks. Quarterbacks appeared comfortable in the pocket, sitting back to pick defenses apart. Now, some of that could be a result of Nnamdi Madubuike’s season-ending neck injury. Now, Minter wants to change that by creating chaos upfront. It starts with the defensive tackles. Schematically, personnel-wise, the Ravens’ defense looks like a 3-4, with the line trying to absorb blockers.
However, Minter wants his line to be able to disrupt, instead of lane clogging. Under those circumstances, rushed throws occur, which play right into the defense’s hands. However, the defense needs to get into the backfield to make the plan work. If not, Starks will see multiple receivers around, and he may need to pick just one.
If Starks is a foundational piece, this season could prove to be a defining one. The Ravens face the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions this season. Each of those teams relies on the passing game. Starks looks to be tested early and often. Can he succeed?
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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