Jefferson's Malaki Starks picked 27th overall in NFL Draft

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens drafted Georgia safety Malaki Starks with the 27th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, the second straight year they used a first-round selection on a defensive back.

The former Jefferson, Ga. star was a second-team All-American last season. Baltimore took cornerback Nate Wiggins of Clemson in the first round in 2024.

Starks could boost a defensive backfield that struggled early last season. Playing star safety Kyle Hamilton deeper was one way for Baltimore to guard against big passing plays, but adding more talent to the secondary makes sense.

It was another big draft day for the Georgia defense. Edge rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker went earlier in the first round.

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks poses after being chosen by the Baltimore Ravens with the 27th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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