Terrell Suggs
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The Baltimore Ravens have a "perfect match" to emulate franchise great Terrell Suggs.
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t had a player named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year since edge-rusher Terrell Suggs won the award all the way back in 2003, but a “perfect match” for the 2025 team can finally end the drought.
This year’s first-round draft pick, safety Malaki Starks is primed to be in the mix to be named DROY for one simple reason. While “Starks’ rookie stat line may not feature the most interceptions (he had six career picks in three collegiate seasons), but he could fill up the box score with tackles, TFLs, picks and passes defensed,” according to ESPN.
Being in a high-volume position will help Starks overcome other award candidates, but so will the talent around him in Baltimore. Playing alongside versatile All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, whose latest payday made history, will also allow former Georgia stud Starks to make a fast start to life in the pros.
Hamilton continuing the role that took his game up a level last season would position Starks to play in an area where he can pad the stat sheet. It’s the best reason for why many believe his debut season will end with a league-wide award.
Ravens Got Value Picking Malaki Starks
He looked like a luxury pick when the Ravens used the 27th choice to take Starks in the first round, but stacking talent was actually a smart value strategy. Hybrid safeties are crucial for the complex array of pressure and disguise the Ravens unleash defensively.
Starks fits the bill as a roaming playmaker able to thrive in multiple spots. The Ravens have already been taking advantage of the 21-year-old’s diverse skill-set.
While Starks can play anywhere across the defensive backfield, his award credentials will be stronger closer to the line of scrimmage. From where he can get downhill in a hurry to stuff the run or blitz the pass-pocket, as well as being able to muscle receivers in the slot.
Starks offered a glimpse of his ability to be physical when he stepped up to drop fellow first-rounder, tight end Tyler Warren against the Indianapolis Colts in preseason. The forceful stop was highlighted by Football Fanatics.
While the Ravens will regularly rotate the positions of their safeties, they’ll have no worries about Starks spending time in the box. That will also allow Hamilton to stay deep.
The 24-year-old transformed Baltimore’s defense when he moved back during last season, but the Ravens are still looking for an edge-rusher to be as transformative up front.
Ravens Still Need Another Terrell Suggs
Finding another Suggs hasn’t been easy since the franchise’s all-time sack leader was a prolific source of pressure who could take over a game. There isn’t one of those on the current roster, even though underrated 34-year-old Kyle Van Noy is playing the best football of his career.
Time is fast approaching for the Ravens to find a successor to Van Noy. Perhaps this year’s second-round draft pick can take on the role, with the help of some tutelage from a key member of the historic 2000 defense.
In the meantime, defensive coordinator Zach Orr is relying on powerhouse edge defenders Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson to take the pass-rush plans up a notch. If they can, the Ravens will have a front seven to rival their star-studded safety tandem and increase Starks’ hopes for an award.