Jesse Minter knows what he wants from a top draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens, and the rookie head coach has made a bold prediction about his team’s latest first-rounder ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
Speaking to ESPN’s Kevin Clark on the This Is Football podcast, Minter revealed he’s expecting big things from last year’s 27th-overall pick. As Minter put it, “I think Malaki Starks is going to become a household type of name in the secondary.”
Although Minter also mentioned second-year edge-rusher Mike Green as “somebody I’m really excited about, that’ll be able to take a big step,” the expectations for versatile safety Starks are noteworthy.
Not least because he plays a position currently headlined by All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens made Hamilton the highest-paid safety in NFL history last offseason, while the franchise also added former New England Patriots starter Jaylinn Hawkins during this year’s free agency.
Minter still setting the bar so high for Starks in a position group as loaded as this, speaks volumes about the 22-year-old’s upside. It also reveals the new man in charge is very happy with the talent available on a defense that struggled mightily at times last season.
Perhaps that means the Ravens will go offense early in this year’s draft.
Malaki Starks Can Continue Tradition of Great Safeties
Starks showed glimpses of being a true playmaker as a rookie, but he’s not developing as quickly as Hamilton. The latter has more than justified his status as the 14th player drafted in 2022 by becoming perhaps the most highly-regarded player at his position in the league and continuing the Ravens’ tradition of great safeties, headlined by multiple Pro Bowler Eric Weddle and Hall of Famers Rod Woodson and Ed Reed.
What helps Hamilton stand out is how the Ravens move him all over the field to make an impact. Starks is blessed with similar multiplicity, but his next step must involve turning potential into production.
Snatching just two interceptions and breaking up a mere four passes in 2025, shows where Starks must improve. He’ll get his hands on the ball more often if the Ravens generate greater pressure, something Green can provide if he takes on board the lessons from another franchise great.
The Ravens can get Green and newly acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson some help in this draft, but maybe only after they first add a game-breaker on the other side of the ball.
Ravens Can Wait for Defensive Help in 2026 Draft
Leaving the first round of this draft without a new target or better protection for franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson will be tough for the Ravens. Especially when a roving tight end is deemed worthy of the 14th-overall pick.
There’s room for another tight end after Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar both departed in free agency, but Jackson might prefer a more dynamic wideout. Particularly since his current WR2 is struggling to produce.
Another viable option for the Ravens is to target one of the bulkier offensive linemen in this draft class. Perhaps an aggressive guard already endorsed by general manager Eric DeCosta.
The Ravens can afford to explore all of these options to add first-round talent to their revamped offense, if Minter truly believes Starks and Green are already building blocks for a tougher defense.
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