2025 NFL Team Draft Page

Ar'Darius Washington is a key piece of the Ravens' secondary, and all signs are pointing to him being back in 2025. Thus, the Ravens should be returning their stellar young safety tandem of Kyle Hamilton and Washington. That begs the question: is Malaki Starks simply a luxury pick for a team that struggled to get after the quarterback in key situations last season and faces several questions regarding the depth and future of their current pass rush group?

Yes and no. Starks falling to 27 wouldn't be a massive surprise given his positional value and some teams likely preferring the athleticism and range of Nick Emmanwori (Starks was recently on The Rich Eisen Show and discussed potentially being drafted by Baltimore). But he is considered one of the more sure-fire prospects in a class with quite a few question marks. Getting him at 27 would have to feel like the Ravens hit the lottery. Plus, the Ravens have expressed a desire to play Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage and allow him to utilize his size and instincts to wreak havoc in the backfield and in man coverage. For that to happen, Baltimore will need to add another safety they can trust to hold down the fort in the backend. So, while this pick does fit the narrative of "Best Available," it also does make a lot of sense. Now, in terms of the pass rush, Nic Scourton and James Pearce Jr. are likely the only two players that Baltimore would consider here. But I prefer the value of taking Starks at 27 and circling back to take the highly productive Kyle Kennard at 91. Pearce in particular makes a lot of sense for the Ravens, but with potential character concerns and some inconsistencies, the Ravens may not feel comfortable with that selection in the first round.

Baltimore may not be able to answer their pass rush questions on Thursday night. But by selecting Malaki Starks, they are certainly improving their defense - a necessity in a high octane AFC.

- Gabe Kamins, Ravens Analyst