Few players on the Baltimore Ravens roster possess the versatility of Malaki Starks. The former first-round pick can line up all over the secondary, cover ground from sideline to sideline, and impact the game in a variety of ways.
His breakout can be key in 2026, and most feel he is on his way. Head coach Jesse Minter has already expressed that destiny is in the second-year safety's hands. According to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who spoke with the media on Wednesday, the next step in Starks' development may have less to do with talent and more to do with confidence.
When asked about Starks' progress entering the season, Weaver pointed to the safety's growing comfort level within Baltimore's defense.
"Just the confidence... Confidence
schematically in what we are trying to do [and] what we are trying to accomplish from a coverage standpoint."
That confidence matters because Starks has the skill set to handle virtually any assignment. Weaver highlighted his ability to play multiple positions, noting that Starks logged significant snaps in the slot during his college career and has the range to make plays anywhere on the field.
"The kid's traits are truly like, you can play [Malaki Starks] all over the place. He played a ton of nickel in college; you can do that with him now. He can be on one hash and make a play on the other side of the field."
Weaver believes familiarity with the defensive system should allow those traits to show up more consistently this season. Like many young players, Starks spent portions of his first NFL season balancing athletic ability with the mental demands of learning a professional defense. Weaver suggested that process can occasionally slow players down.
"I think your first year, just when you are trying to learn it all, you can have a little bit of paralysis through analysis."
In the NFL, hesitation can be the difference between making a play and arriving a step late.Second-year growth from Starks will, without question, further unlock this secondary. Just think about that possibility in conjunction with what Kyle Hamilton is already doing. Weaver expects a more confident Starks to play faster, trust his instincts, and ultimately find himself around the football more often.
"We expect him to be closer to the ball and then ultimately make those plays this year."
The Ravens already know what Starks is capable of physically. If Weaver's assessment proves accurate, increased confidence could be the key that unlocks another level of production in Baltimore's secondary.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Anthony Weaver believes confidence will unlock Malaki Starks' next level
