Baltimore Ravens rookie safety Malaki Starks is already making waves before playing his first NFL snap. Selected 27th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Starks made a bold statement by singling out Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as the opponent he most looks forward to facing. In a recent interview, when asked which quarterback he most wants to intercept, Starks responded confidently, “I wanna get Josh Allen.”
This comment immediately drew attention, given Allen’s status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. Over the past five seasons, the Ravens have faced the Bills four times, coming away with only one win. Starks seems eager to contribute to reversing that trend and helping Baltimore become more competitive in high-stakes matchups, especially in the AFC.
While some may interpret his remarks as trash talk, the context suggests a different tone. It appears more likely that Starks sees Allen as a benchmark — someone whose skill level makes him a worthy target for any ambitious defender. For a rookie entering the league, expressing the desire to challenge one of the best quarterbacks reflects both confidence and respect.
The anticipation for their upcoming matchup will only grow, as the Ravens are scheduled to play the Bills on the road during the 2025 regular season. Though no official date has been announced yet, many will be watching closely to see how Starks performs against Allen when the time comes. The game could carry significant playoff implications depending on how the season unfolds.
Starks won’t be alone in bringing a Georgia connection to Baltimore. He joins linebacker Roquan Smith, another former Bulldog, on the Ravens’ defense. In addition, the team’s offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, also has roots in Georgia football. With that familiarity, Starks may find the transition to the NFL a bit smoother as he prepares to back up his big goals on the field.
