Ravens' highly-acclaimed draft pick could drive defensive breakthrough in 2026

Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks (24) before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images2025 first-round pick Malaki Starks didn't have the stellar rookie season that Baltimore Ravens fans were hoping for. Not many of their rookies did, for that matter. Nevertheless, he showed plenty of flashes, especially during the second half of last season, and it's fair to expect him to take significant strides in 2026.

Recently, Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus (PFF) listed a breakout player for each team, and Starks was the Ravens' breakout candidate. Wasserman…