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Malaki Starks got the best of both worlds on the draft evening.
Of course, everyone wants to be an early selection, but more often than not, it leads to landing on a subpar team. While Starks was not a top-20 election, he still heard his name called in the first round, and he now calls a Super Bowl challenge his new home.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Left, with Georgia Bulldogs Safety Malaki Starks, is elected by Baltimore Ravens as No. 27 -Selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft at Lambeau Field. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
The defensive back was selected by Baltimore Ravens with the 27th election late last month, which two seasons ago were in the AFC championship. This last season they were oh-so close to coming back.
This year the numbers are the same for Baltimore as long as they have MVP candidate Lamar Jackson at the helm.
The difference in skill from college to the NFL does not need to explain, but Starks said there is another concern in his mind in the leap to the pros.
“There are many rules that are very different than it is in college,” Starks told Pakinomist Digital. “The dimensions, I’m still used to the hash being longer in. I spent time after the practice of going through my steps because I’m so programmed to go to a particular place. Just really re -learn all rules, dimensions, similar things.”
Jalon Walker, #11, and Malaki Starks, #24 of Georgia Bulldogs, celebrate a big stop during a game between Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. (Steve Limentani/ISI -Photos/Getty Images)
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However, Starks has “a good group of elite guys” to learn from.
Starks has been part of a perennial winner for a long time. He spent his college days in Georgia. And prior to the draft, he won even more while working with tides to participate in their laundry with Spice Adams and colleague Drafte Matthew Golden.
“We did this thing where you had a laundry on your head and had to balance the one that went back and forth. Matthew couldn’t do it. I got to rub it in his face,” joked Starks.
“People think Prep starts in the field, but it actually starts in the laundry room. You feel good when you look good.”
Maybe Starks may feel some extra pressure considering his team’s expectations. But being a bulldog is already instilled in him.
Malaki Starks speaks at a press conference after being selected by Baltimore Ravens as No. 27 choice in the first round of 2025 NFL draft at Lambeau Field. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
“It’s kind of what I’m used to since I went to the University of Georgia. They were just at their first nighty forever, so coming in and filling these shoes, that’s the standard the organization has and running their business,” he said. “I am excited to come into this organization and learn from a lot of the older guys and what it means to play as a raven.”
