​Malaki Starks’ physical talent made him one of the NFL’s most promising young safeties. His preparation is giving Baltimore Ravens coach Mike Mickens greater confidence about what comes next. Starks enters his second season expected to form one of the league’s most talented safety combinations with Kyle Hamilton. Mickens believes the young defender is building toward a significant step because he treats preparation with the same urgency as game-day assignments.“His attention to detail, one, in the meeting room — he’s going to know everything, the whats and the whys,” Mickens said on The Ravens Lounge.Understanding why the defense uses a coverage can be as important as knowing the assignment. That knowledge allows a safety to anticipate route combinations, recognize where the quarterback wants to go and adjust when an offense changes its presentation. Mickens has also noticed Starks’ work ethic on the field. The safety finishes plays and consistently places himself in position to make tackles, habits that can reduce explosive gains and stabilize the entire defense.“He’s so locked in, and great things are going to continue to happen for him,” Mickens said. “I can’t wait to see it flourish.”Starks’ development could also expand Hamilton’s role. If Baltimore trusts Starks to control the deep field and communicate adjustments, Minter can deploy Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage or disguise which safety will handle each responsibility. The Ravens can also use a three-safety package with Hamilton, Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins, creating similar body types who can exchange assignments after the snap.Starks still faces the challenges common to second-year players. Opposing coordinators have a full season of film and will test areas where he appeared uncomfortable as a rookie. Mickens believes Starks’ detailed approach will help him respond. The Ravens do not need him to become Hamilton immediately. They need him to continue converting preparation into dependable production.If that progression continues, Baltimore could possess two safeties capable of changing how opponents build their game plans.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Malaki Starks’ Year 2 growth could unlock Ravens secondary