One of the quickest ways for young NFL players to improve is by learning from people who have already experienced success at the highest level. Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks appears to understand that as well as anyone.
The former first-round draft pick is entering a pivotal second season after showing flashes throughout his rookie campaign. With training camp approaching, he is looking for every possible advantage, including reconnecting with a former Super Bowl-winning head coach who helped prepare him for the NFL Draft.
That coach is Jon Gruden. Speaking recently with The Athletic‘s Jeff Zrebiec, Starks revealed that Gruden remains a trusted resource, and Starks plans to spend more time with Gruden before the season begins.
“I’m going to get back with Jon Gruden… I trained with him before the draft, so I’m going to get back with him and pick his brain a little bit… I trained with him for the draft. He prepped me for the draft, and we’ve been really cool ever since. Just to learn from a guy like him and have him as a resource, I think it will be huge.”
“I’m going to get back with Jon Gruden… I trained with him before the draft, so I’m going to get back with him and pick his brain a little bit… I trained with him for the draft. He prepped me for the draft, and we’ve been really cool ever since. Just to learn from a guy like him and have him as a resource, I think it will be huge.”
At first glance, Gruden may seem like an unusual mentor for a young safety. He is more so known for his offensive acumen, but that may be the point, another perspective. That may be exactly what makes him such a valuable resource for Starks.
Gruden worked extensively with the former Georgia Bulldogs standout during the pre-draft process. The connection has obviously continued well into Starks’ professional career.
Throughout his coaching career, Gruden earned his reputation as one of football’s premier offensive minds. His creativity in designing passing games and developing quarterbacks became his calling card. That championship team, however, also featured one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, coordinated by the legendary Monte Kiffin. Together, they led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship.
Few coaches understand offensive philosophy, quarterback decision-making, route concepts, and defensive manipulation as well as Gruden. For a safety responsible for diagnosing plays before the snap and anticipating where the football is headed, learning how offensive coaches think could become a significant advantage.
The Ravens already possess one of the league’s brightest young defensive backs. Starks’ willingness to seek advice from experienced football minds, even those whose expertise lies on the opposite side of the ball, suggests he’s determined to become an even better one. That mindset may ultimately prove just as important as anything he learns once training camp begins.
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