The Baltimore Ravens invested first-round draft capital into Malaki Starks because they believed he possessed the traits to become one of the NFL's next generation of standout safeties. During an afternoon that featureda practice session at Maryland's SECU Stadium, head coach Jesse Minter offered perhaps his strongest endorsement yet of the rookie's long-term potential during a press conference that was part of the itinerary
.Coach Minter was asked what he's seen from Starks during the opening days of camp. Minter praised the former Georgia Bulldogs standout's experience, versatility and preparation before delivering a statement that stood out above the rest.
"Malaki Starks has the license to be as good as he wants to be." That's not the type
of compliment coaches hand out casually. Minter pointed to the foundation Starks built at Georgia, where he developed into one of college football's premier defensive backs.
"He has a great skill set, proven by where he was picked and all that as he was coming out of Georgia. They do a great job at Georgia with DBs, so they're well-trained, and they have a lot of versatility. They do a lot of different things there with Kirby Smart."
Talent has never been the question with Malaki Starks. The Ravens also value his experience. Minter noted that he played a significant number of snaps in college, giving him exposure to a variety of situations before arriving in Baltimore.
The next step for Malaki Starks is mastering the mental game
For Minter, Starks' development is no longer about physical ability. It's about seeing the game faster. It's about dissecting what the offense wants to do more quickly.
"I think it is building that confidence and that pre-snap look to where you can look and anticipate things. Then, when you do that, your natural ability allows you to be ahead of the play rather than behind the play."
That distinction often separates talented rookies from impact NFL defenders. Athletic ability gets players into position. Anticipation allows them to make game-changing plays.
The Ravens aren't asking Starks to become someone different. They believe the talent is already there. Now, as Minter sees it, the rookie's future depends on how quickly confidence, experience and instinct catch up with the physical gifts that made him one of the organization's most intriguing additions.
The encouraging news for the Ravens is that Minter doesn't believe Starks needs to become a different player to reach his ceiling. He simply needs the repetitions and experience that come with NFL football. Training camp and the preseason will provide those opportunities, and if Minter's assessment proves accurate, Starks' development won't be limited by his physical ability. It'll be determined by how quickly his confidence and anticipation allow those traits to take over.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter believes Malaki Starks controls his own destiny
