NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the No. 21 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Green Bay Packers traded up to select Darnell Savage Jr., safety out of Maryland.
"I'm extremely versatile," said Savage via phone. "I'm always around the ball, always making plays. I'm a playmaker."
Savage can play deep safety, nickel back or line up in the slot. At the NFL combine, he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. It was his speed and play-making that stood out.
"His range in the back end was very intriguing,” said Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
During his time at Maryland, Savage recorded 170 tackles, eight interceptions (two pick-sixes) and 13 passes broken up in three seasons.
“His athleticism and ability to take the ball away, we thought was rare,” said Gutekunst.
However, he wasn't always seen as a first-round pick during the pre-draft process, but this only motivates him.
"I kind of have that chip on my shoulder when I play." said Savage.
Savage will play alongside free-agent addition Adrian Amos. He's watched Amos and said he's ready to come in and be a sponge.
"He's an extremely smart player," said Savage on Amos. "You can learn a lot from a guy like that."
Savage said he's ready to get to work and play hard.
"I just want to come in and do whatever I can do to help this team," said Savage.
