The Baltimore Ravens landed a stud in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Malaki Starks out of the University of Georgia. The franchise has long been known for stellar safety play, including Hall of Famers Ed Reed and Rod Woodson, so picking an accomplished defensive back surprised no one.
Starks has faced adversity on and off the field throughout his NFL journey, too. He shared some sentimental moments when detailing his upbringing during his introductory press conference on April 25.
New Ravens Star Malaki Starks Battled Homelessness Twice
Starks was a consensus five-star recruit coming out of Jefferson High School in Georgia. Ranked as the best athlete in the country in the class of 2022, he was a top-five overall prospect and played both ways in high school. He ran for 2,384 yards on 259 carries with 34 touchdowns on offense while catching eight passes for 157 yards, in addition to making 81 career tackles and nine interceptions on defense.
But it’s what Starks faced off the field that had everyone talking after the NFL Draft. He was homeless twice during his elementary and middle school years, a struggle that has motivated him ever since.
After being drafted 27th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the first safety off the board, Starks spoke to his family’s grit and determination to work their way out of that tough period.
“I was homeless twice. There was a period of time where I didn’t really see my parents ’cause they were working, Starks said (via Jordan Schultz). “You know, day shifts, night shifts, whatever the case may be. But I’ve never seen them not work for anything. I saw it, and it turned me into who I am today. Like when things don’t go my way and I don’t know what to do, I put my head down and work.”
Former NFL defensive star drops monstrous Malaki Starks Ravens prediction. Rookie @BilhalK joins us. Steelers’ Draft breakdown with @bepryor & more. https://t.co/5yqHrtZlB6
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) April 30, 2025
Starks started immediately for the Georgia Bulldogs, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022 while helping the team to a National Championship. He went on to claim All-American honors in all three seasons at Georgia, as well as being named to the first-team All-SEC in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Starks has been one of the highest-graded players in the country through every phase of his football career. Now, the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder lands as a first-round draft pick in one of the most dangerous defenses in the NFL.
Combining With Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore
Kyle Hamilton has been an All-Pro for the past two seasons, playing the strong/box safety role in the Baltimore Ravens’ defense. Now he’s got a partner a new partner at free safety in Starks who will likely be a Week 1 starter for the franchise.
Remember, Baltimore opted to release safety Marcus Williams after benching him during the season, only three years into his five-year, $70 million contract. Williams remains unsigned, but the Ravens have gotten younger at the position and saved themselves a lot of money in the process.
The franchise hopes their new addition will help to invigorate what was a shaky pass defense in 2024. While dangerous up front and around the line of scrimmage, the Ravens need to cut down on passing yards allowed after giving up more than 238 yards per game last season.
