Green Bay Packers: Realistic 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft with trades
By Joe Kipp
Round 2, Pick 44: Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
It doesn’t take a genius to realize safety is one of the highest priorities for the Packers entering the draft, which is why selecting Darnell Savage with pick No. 44 is both a need and value selection. A former cornerback, Savage is the type of versatile defensive back the Packers have lacked ever since Micah Hyde signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
Savage is one of the best all-around athletes in the entire 2019 draft. The former Maryland product notably ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical leap at the NFL Combine last month. In his senior season, he recorded four interceptions, two pass breakups, and 52 tackles, with 5.5 tackles for loss.
We can assume free agent signee Adrian Amos is likely to play more of a role as an in-the-box safety, which is why targeting Savage makes sense. As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted, where Savage gets drafted will show how teams value instincts, football IQ and coverage ability against pure size. Savage stands at just 5-11 and 198 pounds, an undersized frame for a true free safety.
In summary, Savage would be a great second round pick for Green Bay. He fits a true need, presents a nice value and should provide an instant impact from Day 1. Concerns over size and durability could cause him to fall, but his versatility to play in the slot, as an outside cornerback or on the back-end of the defense offers tremendous upside.