Darnell Savage: A Comprehensive Guide to the All-Pro Safety's Career and Impact

Introduction

Darnell Savage, Jr. is an American football safety for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Savage played college football at Maryland, where he was a two-time All-American and the 2018 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back. He was drafted by the Packers in the first round (21st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Early Life and College Career

Savage was born on March 10, 1997 in Harrington, Delaware. He attended Caravel Academy in Bear, Delaware, where he played football, basketball, and track and field. As a senior, he recorded 70 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles.

Savage committed to play college football at the University of Maryland over offers from Penn State, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech. As a true freshman in 2015, he played in 11 games and recorded 23 tackles and 1 interception.

In 2016, Savage started 12 games and finished the season with 61 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team.

In 2017, Savage started all 13 games and recorded 75 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

In 2018, Savage had his best season at Maryland. He started all 13 games and recorded 68 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and Walter Camp Football Foundation and won the Jim Thorpe Award.

NFL Career

Savage was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He started 12 games as a rookie and recorded 59 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team**.

In 2020, Savage started all 16 games for the Packers. He recorded 58 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. He was named a second-team All-Pro.

In 2021, Savage started 15 games for the Packers. He recorded 50 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. He was named a first-team All-Pro.

In 2022, Savage started 10 games for the Packers. He recorded 37 tackles and 1 interception. He was placed on injured reserve in December with a hamstring injury.

Career Highlights

• First-team All-Pro (2021)
• Second-team All-Pro (2020)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
• Jim Thorpe Award (2018)
• Two-time All-American (2017, 2018)
• Two-time All-Big Ten selection (2016, 2017)

Why Darnell Savage Matters

Darnell Savage is one of the most talented and promising young safeties in the NFL. He is a ball-hawking playmaker who has a knack for making big plays. Savage is also a solid tackler and a physical presence who can lay the wood.

Savage is a key part of the Packers' defense. He is a leader in the secondary and he plays with a passion that is contagious. Savage is the type of player who can make a difference in a big game.

Benefits of Darnell Savage

There are many benefits to having Darnell Savage on your team. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the secondary. Savage is also a smart player who makes quick decisions. He is a valuable asset to any team.

Here are some of the specific benefits of having Darnell Savage on your team:

• He is a ball-hawking playmaker who can make big plays.
• He is a solid tackler and a physical presence who can lay the wood.
• He is a leader in the secondary and he plays with a passion that is contagious.
• He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the secondary.
• He is a smart player who makes quick decisions.
• He is a valuable asset to any team.

Pros and Cons of Darnell Savage

Here are some of the pros and cons of Darnell Savage:

Pros:

• Ball-hawking playmaker
• Solid tackler
• Physical presence
• Leader
• Versatile
• Smart
• Valuable asset

Cons:

• Can be injury prone
• Needs to improve his tackling technique
• Needs to be more consistent

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when using Darnell Savage:

• Don't try to use him as a man-to-man cover corner. Savage is best used as a zone safety or in the slot.
• Don't blitz him too often. Savage is a solid tackler, but he is not a great blitzer.
• Don't expect him to be a one-man show. Savage is a team player and he needs the help of his teammates to be successful.

Conclusion

Darnell Savage is one of the most talented and promising young safeties in the NFL. He is a ball-hawking playmaker, a solid tackler, and a physical presence who can lay the wood. Savage is a leader in the secondary and he plays with a passion** that is contagious. Savage is the type of player who can make a difference in a big game.