The Baltimore Ravens have built a reputation for identifying and developing defensive backs who can thrive in multiple roles. From Ed Reed to the current hybrid expertise of Kyle Hamilton, the organization knows what a game-changing safety looks like. If the buzz coming out of OTAs in Owings Mills is any indication, they may have found another in Malaki Starks.
Starks, the first safety selected in the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 27 overall, enters his second professional season with a simple but powerful message: the best is yet to come.
"I know I can play at a higher level," Starks told reporters during organized team activities this week. The Georgia product isn't just talking--he's been putting in the work to ensure his on-field performance matches his offseason intentions.
Adding Weight Without Losing a Step
One of the most notable changes in Starks this spring is physical. The 6-foot-1 defensive back has added functional weight to his frame, a deliberate move to better handle the physical demands of the NFL. In college at Georgia, Starks played at around 205 pounds and carried that into his rookie season. But after a full year of facing NFL running backs, tight ends, and receivers up close, he understood the need to get stronger without sacrificing the explosive movement that made him a first-round talent.
The Ravens' strength staff worked with Starks on a targeted program aimed at adding lean mass to his lower body and core. The result? A player who looks noticeably thicker in pads during early drills but still moves with fluid hips and closing speed that defined his college tape.
For a defense that thrives on versatility--where safeties cover the slot, drop into the deep half, and occasionally walk down into the box--that added strength is critical. It allows Starks to hold up in run support against bigger bodies and endure through a 17-game grind.
Comfort in Year Two
Perhaps more important than physical gains is the mental leap Starks has made. Rookie seasons in Baltimore's defense are rarely easy. Head coach Jesse Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver operate a system demanding communication, split-second recognition, and the ability to disguise intentions pre-snap. For a young safety, that's a lot to process.
Starks admitted during his rookie campaign that he occasionally played a tick slow because he was thinking instead of reacting. That's common for first-year defensive backs, especially those tasked with making pre-snap checks. Now, with a full season of installs, meetings, and game reps under his belt, he looks like a different player.
"The game has slowed down for me," Starks said. He described seeing route combinations develop before they fully unfold, allowing him to drive on throws with more confidence. That pre-snap recognition is the difference between a good safety and a great one and is the area where Starks made his biggest strides this offseason.
Teammates have noticed. During early OTA sessions, Starks has been a vocal presence in the secondary, directing traffic and helping younger defensive backs align correctly. That leadership growth is exactly what the coaching staff wanted from a player they invested a first-round pick in.
The Path to a Breakout
The Ravens' safety room is deep. Kyle Hamilton is a superstar who can line up anywhere. Jaylinn Hawkins provides reliable depth and special teams value. But Starks has a real opportunity to carve out a major role. Weaver's defense frequently deploys three-safety looks, and Starks' skill set--range, instincts, and now added physicality--makes him ideal for a hybrid role that allows Hamilton to freelance closer to the line of scrimmage.
Several league analysts have pegged Starks as a candidate for a significant Year 2 jump, pointing to his athletic profile and the Ravens' track record with defensive backs. In a division featuring dynamic passing attacks, having a second safety who can hold up in coverage is no longer a luxury--it's a necessity.
The AFC North is loaded with talent at quarterback and receiver. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh all can stress a secondary vertically. Starks' range and ball skills could be the difference between a defense that gets burned over the top and one that forces game-changing interceptions.
What the 2026 Season Could Look Like
If Starks' trajectory continues, Ravens fans should expect him on the field for a significantly higher percentage of defensive snaps. As a rookie, he rotated in and out, learning while veterans handled the bulk of workload--a luxury Baltimore had without relying on him as a star Day 1. But in 2026, the expectation changes.
The Ravens' defense has championship aspirations. With a front seven anchored by perennial All-Pro Roquan Smith, a disruptive defensive line including Nnamdi Madubuike and veteran Calais Campbell, Baltimore will pressure opposing quarterbacks. That pressure creates opportunities in the back end. Starks needs to be ready to capitalize.
His improved comfort in the scheme, combined with his physical maturity, suggests he will be. The Ravens haven't hidden their belief in him. Drafting a safety in the first round shows a long-term vision, and Starks is beginning to look like the player they envisioned.
The Bigger Picture
Baltimore's 2026 campaign carries high expectations. The roster is loaded on both sides. Lamar Jackson still commands the offense. Derrick Henry remains one of the most physically imposing runners. And the defense, under Minter's guidance, has potential to dominate.
Championship teams often feature players who make the jump from promising rookie to reliable playmaker in Year 2. Starks fits this perfectly. If he delivers on the potential that made him the first safety off the board in 2025, the Ravens secondary could become one of the league's most feared units.
For now, Starks is taking it one rep at a time. The pads aren't even on yet, and the real evaluation will come in game action. But early returns from OTAs are encouraging. The weight is on. The scheme is clear. The confidence is there.
"I know what I'm capable of," Starks said. The Ravens are counting on him to prove it.