When the Baltimore Ravens select at No. 27 in the first round of next month's NFL Draft, they should look to shore up their defensive backfield which was taken advantage of by opposing quarterbacks last season.
For the very reason the Ravens gave up an average of 244 yards passing per game, they should look to improve their secondary. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars allowed more yards passing per game last season with 257.4 yards per game.
If Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia is still on the board, the Ravens should run to the podium with his name on the card.
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. also has the Ravens taking Starks in his most recent mock draft. Starks, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds is considered by many as the best safety in the draft. He is fully recovered from a leg injury his sophomore season and is ready to make his mark on the NFL.
Starks had an impressive career at Georgia. He had six interceptions and broke up 17 passes in three seasons. In 2024 he led the team in tackles with 77.
Pro Football Network refers to Starks as "hyper-explosive" and "a lab-built athlete with exceptional mass, proportions and high-end length."
According to Kiper, Starks is very versatile in that he can play many positions in the back of the defense. He can play two-high, single-high, in the box or off-man in the slot.
This type of versatility would give the Ravens a perfect compliment to veteran Kyle Hamilton, who was a first-round selection in 2022.
Taking the draft’s best player at his position? It sounds “safe.” But it’s quite smart.
