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Green Bay Packers: Realistic 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft with trades

By Joe Kipp

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard of Washington State speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard of Washington State speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Reggie Hemphill-Mapps #17 of the Texas Longhorns is tackled by Darnell Savage Jr. #4 of the Maryland Terrapins in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Reggie Hemphill-Mapps #17 of the Texas Longhorns is tackled by Darnell Savage Jr. #4 of the Maryland Terrapins in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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.

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