Ravens rookie Malaki Starks embraces high expectations in early NFL career

Baltimore Ravens rookie defensive back Malaki Starks, recently drafted from Georgia, is quickly finding his footing in the National Football League. As he navigates his debut season, Starks is openly embracing the demanding standards associated with playing for the storied organization.

In his first two NFL games, Starks reflected positively on his experiences. However, he acknowledged the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by the Ravens. "We have a really high standard around here, very high standard of myself. You never really play up to the expectations or like the standard that you like just because it's set so high," he stated.

The rookie credited the support of his teammates and the defensive back room for easing his transition into the league. He emphasized the importance of building strong connections within the unit, describing the team as a brotherhood. "The people around me, they made it like easy for me to go out there and just play it and lean on them as well. It's a brotherhood; it's a family," Starks explained. "As a defensive back room, like, you always gotta be on the same page. So like it starts with like building a connection."

Starks also shared insights into his team's resilience after a tough opening performance. Following a challenging Week 1 loss against Buffalo, the Ravens responded with a solid showing in Week 2 against Cleveland. He credited their turnaround to renewed confidence and a clear understanding of their capabilities. "I think it's just really understanding, like, the group of guys that we had, you know, like in a group of guys that we do have. I think, like, nobody was scared. Nobody was nervous," he remarked. "We know the guys that we have in our room, and we know what we're capable of, and it was really just a matter of just going out there and executing, being on the same page."

The early contributions of the Ravens' rookie class have garnered praise. In addition to Starks, the class includes Lajonte Weston and Tyler Luke on special teams, and Teddy Bon on defense. Starks noted that the rookies have bonded over the shared high expectations. "That was the expectation, you know, like obviously, like, you come to the league and you come to play," he said. "Once we realized where we're gonna be at, it's okay — let's get to work."

Looking forward to his first Monday Night Football appearance at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens will don their all-black uniforms, Starks expressed enthusiasm about the experience. "Just going out there and compete, man. Every day is a blessing. I get to come out here; I mean, it really is. Playing for the Baltimore Ravens, I got great teammates, got great head coach, great GM, great owners," he shared. "I'm very blessed, but I'm also just excited, you know, like this is my first time going through it, so like I'm really focused, but I'm also enjoying the moment at the same time."

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