Darnell Savage Jr | Defensive Back | Maryland | 5'11" - 198 lbs.

 

Overview
Savage will offer an interesting litmus test for how teams value instincts, IQ and coverage quickness against size. He sports a compact frame with a muscular build and was actually bigger at the combine than some scouts expected. 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 should be targeted as a Day 2 hybrid defender offering early starting potential as a two-high zone or slot cover talent.

Strengths
[list]

Twitchy, urgent athlete

Movement in space is fluid and natural

Quick pedal to gain depth from high-safety spot

Makeup speed to chase down the throw

Thrives in off-man coverage from slot

Above-average coverage IQ

Responsive to pattern clues laid out by QB and WR

Smooth hips with sharp burst to smother underneath routes at the break

Plus burst to close

Shows lurker qualities to read and jump throws by unaware quarterbacks

Of his 7 interceptions over the last two years, two have gone for touchdowns

Takes laser-focused paths to avoid traffic in run support

Explosive downhill trigger to run the alley or fit up into gaps

Always looking for work, and motor won't allow him to coast

Good radar to seek and tackle on the move[/list]

Weaknesses
[list]

Slightly undersized for an NFL safety

Built more like a running back than safety

Looks tiny when forced to match against college tight ends

Could struggle to elevate and challenge high-points against NFL size

Just average discipline in positioning between multiple downfield targets

Needs to build downhill momentum as tackler

Becomes grab-and-drag tackler when feet are stationary

Size could preclude success as open-field finisher[/list]

40 Yard Dash 4.36

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4.36 enables him to play CB in a pinch.

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What a combination of need and talent and production. The only downside is the trade cost.

He's built more like a running back than a safety? Is Gutekunst pondering a position change for this young man? 😂

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Trading up for an undersized Safety because he has 4.36 speed and showed well against College players does not bode well. The Professional level will match him against TEs and WRs that can easily be 5 to 6 inches taller. In addition, Safeties are just that, a player that a team counts on to make the tackle after an opposing player has already broken through the defense. Speed is one thing, but can he tackle NFL RBs moving at full speed. Its one thing to catch a player, but quite another to take down a charging bull.

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With Abram going at #27 to the Raiders and interest from the Colts, it explains the trade up from Gute. #steelyeyedassassin

Edit: Ravens also traded out at #22, possible they did so after missing out on Savage

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Grading a pick 5 minutes after it is taken is just ridiculous.

They didn't take a TE.
Get over it.
Gutey is building HIS team.
He knows what he has currently on the roster.

Still plenty of TE talent left
We'll find out if Gutey has one targeted in the next 2 days.

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Interesting fact. After the Packers picked Nick Collins, Ravens called Packers and said congrats, you got a helluva player. They had intentions of taking him.

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I’ve been doing some research on him & have watched some film. I think we got ourselves a playmaker. He plays bigger than his size, and he’s definitely not afraid to stick his nose in run support. Fast closing speed & good ball hawking ability. I think we got a Charles Woodson type of difference maker on D. I’m also seeing comparisons to Bob Sanders.

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Both first round picks are described as "twitchy". I am not exactly sure what that means. I think of it as quick responses. That can be a two edged sword. Some things that work in college don't work so well in the pros. We shall see.

There is no doubt the kid can play. He has the speed to make up for some of the mistakes he makes. It reminds me of Sam Shields.

The cost of the trade is a little pricey but if you get your guy why not make the deal. While there are certainly decent players taken in the 4th and subsequent rounds, the number of players who stand out and make a real contribution are fewer and further between. I see no difference in giving up one 4th round pick and giving up both of them.

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