The Green Bay Packers traded up nine spots in the first round to take Maryland safety Darnell Savage at No. 21 overall in the 2019 NFL draft.
The Packers sent No. 30 and both fourth-round picks (No. 114, 118) to the Seattle Seahawks for the opportunity to select Savage, who produced 22 pass breakup and eight interceptions over three seasons at Maryland before running 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Although a little undersized at 5-11 and 198 pounds, Savage is a former cornerback who has experience playing all over the defense, including as a deep safety and at slot corner. He will provide a potentially perfect complement to Adrian Amos, the safety the Packers signed in free agency.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers used Savage in similar ways as former defensive back Micah Hyde.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes Savage has ideal instincts, football IQ and coverage quickness.
“He sports a compact frame with a muscular build and was actually bigger at the combine than some scouts expected,” Zierlein wrote. “His sticky cover skills and ability to close on throws from all areas of the field are valuable commodities that should not be undervalued.”
Savage joins edge rusher Rashan Gary, who the Packers selected with the 12th overall pick earlier Thursday ngiht.
