"He's super-talented. I honestly think he's miles ahead of where I was at that point," Hamilton said of the first round pick out of the University of Georgia
The STAR position is all the rage in the NFL and college football, with dynamic defensive backs benefiting from the versatility that allows them to make plays at all three levels. The STAR defender can play an outside linebacker role in the DIME defense, while being versatile enough to cover slot defenders, defend against the run, and defend deep passing attacks with range.
The Baltimore Ravens have two players capable of displaying such traits in All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and his new running mate, first-round pick Malaki Starks. Through three days of practice, Starks has carried himself like a veteran, drawing praise from Hamilton after Friday's session.
"He's super-talented. I honestly think he's miles ahead of where I was at that point," Hamilton said. "Once it all clicks for him, he's going to be one of the best in the league.
"He does amazing stuff without even trying and probably doesn't even know that he's doing it. I think he knows the playbook more than I did, he's confident out there. He's just so willing to learn."
Starks took the compliment in stride, but there's no doubt that this duo has the makings of an all-time terrific twosome at the safety spot.
"I think [Hamilton is] being generous," Starks said. "He's so smart. You think you know football, until you get around people who know football, and then you realize you don't know that much about football. Being able to learn from him has been huge.
"Just being able to be in that DB room. You look over to your left, you see Kyle. You look over to your right, you see Marlon (Humphrey). You see look over to you left, you see Nate (Wiggins), you see Jaire (Alexander), you see everybody. When they do something, it makes you want to up your level of play."
Starks played three seasons for the Bulldogs, recording 197 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, and six interceptions in his collegiate career. In the 2024 season, he had 77 total tackles, four for loss, and one interception. He was an All-American in 2023.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Kyle Hamilton praises Malaki Starks elite traits as a rookie
Category: Football
