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Packers describe Darnell Savage as ‘interchangeable’ with Adrian Amos

By Bryan Perez

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) /
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The Green Bay Packers went all-in on defense in the 2019 NFL Draft and added safety Darnell Savage in the first round, who defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said has an interchangeable skill set with veteran Adrian Amos.

The Green Bay Packers selected Maryland safety Darnell Savage with the 21st pick of the 2019 NFL draft with the hope he’ll become a playmaking ballhawk on the third level of the defense. And after signing former Chicago Bear Adrian Amos to a four-year, $36 million deal, Green Bay is set up to have one of the more dynamic safety duos in the entire league next season.

They’re also interchangeable talents, according to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

“If you had to say, Adrian would probably lean towards being a strong safety, and Darnell obviously leaning towards free safety,” Pettine said. “But they’re interchangeable.”

“You want them to major in what they’re best at, but I think both of them can do it all.”

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Savage was widely considered the top safety in this year’s draft class. He finished last season with 38 tackles and four interceptions. He ended his career with 182 tackles and eight picks.

The Packers spent their first of two first-round picks (No. 12 overall) on edge rusher Rashan Gary and chose to trade up from No. 30 to No. 21 for Savage rather than risk another team swooping in and picking him off.

The selections of Gary and Savage capped off what was a defensive offseason for the Packers, who in addition to Amos, added edge defenders Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency.

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The hefty investment has to pay off for Green Bay. If not, they’ll have a lot of explaining to do to Aaron Rodgers, who was offered little-to-no help on offense aside from tight end Jace Sternberger in the third round.

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