A Peek into a Pro Football Scouting Report on New Packers S Darnell Savage

Darnell Savage Scouting report from Scouting Services Inc.  Scouting Services Inc has worked with NFL teams for decades, supplementing their own scouting departments with additional reseasrch and evaluations on college prosects.

Darnell Savage Scouting report from Scouting Services Inc. 

Scouting Services Inc has worked with NFL teams for decades, supplementing their own scouting departments with additional reseasrch and evaluations on college prosects.

 

TITLE: SAVAGE BACKS UP HIS SURNAME WITH HIS HITTING ABILITY

Darnell Savage Jr. - #4

University of Maryland Terrapins

5:10.6-198

Agility Tests...4.36 in the 40-yard dash…1.53 10-yard dash…2.58 20-yard dash…4.14 20-yard shuttle…7.03 three-cone drill…39 1/2-inch vertical jump…10'-06' broad jump…Bench pressed 225 pounds 11 times…31-inch arm length…9 1/8-inch hands…74 3/4-inch wingspan.

 

Background...It is puzzling that a player as talented as Savage had to wait until his NFL Scouting Combine to garner national media attention. One of the few defensive backs at the 2019 event to blaze the track with a sub 4.4-second 40-yard dash, if you ask anyone in the state of Maryland about him, they might say, "what took you so long."

At Caravel Academy, the Delaware native played on both sides of the ball for the football team, Delaware All-State honors after he helped lead Caravel to the 2013 state championship. He ended up breaking his right femur that season, forcing the consensus three-star prospect to work relentlessly to come back for his final season stronger than ever and prove he was the same player he was before the injury.

"We talked about the grind to recover and to never panic," Caravel head coach John Reed said. "He's a hard worker, and he worked relentlessly to get back to where he was or even better. He was on a senior-season mission."

Savage worked with the Caravel training staff to return from the injury for the 2014 season. As a senior, Savage operated the wildcat formation and led his team to a two-touchdown victory against Episcopal Academy, the team Savage was playing against when he got hurt in 2013. That season, he posted 1,298 rushing yards and thirteen touchdowns, also recording 54 tackles.

The Honor Roll student was a consensus three-star recruit and Rivals.com rated him the second-best player in the state. Academically, in addition to being named to the honor roll, Savage was a member of the Headmaster’s List.

The Maryland coaches did not waste any time getting Savage acclimated to college ball. He first lined up behind All-American Will Likely at left cornerback during his freshman year in 2015, posting twelve tackles (11 solos) in ten appearances off the bench. He started the season finale vs. Rutgers, responding with five tackles. On 131 snaps, he did give way on 8-of-10 passes targeted into his area though, as the opponents totaled 207 yards from those grabs.

In 2016, Savage started all twelve games that he appeared in. The free safety missed the Indiana game and three quarters vs. Michigan State with a leg contusion, but he still managed to deliver 59 tackles (45 solos) with a sack among 3.5 stops-for-loss. He posted first career interception and returned it 30 yards vs. Boston College and broke up five other attempts. He had two double-digit tackle games, with a season-best eleven vs. Nebraska and ten more vs. Ohio State. He did give up three touchdowns and 261 yards, as opponents connected on 21-of-37 passes vs. him.

Savage switched from jersey #26 to #4 prior to the 2017 season, honoring Will Likely, who had served as his mentor when he first arrived on campus. He received All-Big Ten Conference honors from The NFL Draft Report after he recorded 59 tackles (45 solos) for the second-straight year. He led the team with eight pass breakups and tied for the lead with three interceptions.

Savage had a massive game vs. Indiana (10/28), sparking a 14-point comeback by notching an interception and also blocking a field goal and returning it 16 yards for a touchdown. He made eight tackles and a fumble recovery at fifth-ranked Wisconsin and was in on seven tackles and an interception vs. Northwestern. He picked off another pass and returned in for a 75-yard touchdown vs. Towson. Opponents challenged his area with 45 throws, completing 26 for 314 yards, but he kept each receiver out of the end zone.

Savage's final season saw him garner third-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors from The NFL Draft Report, adding second-team league accolades from the coaches. He started every game, as the safety's four interceptions for 30 yards also included one that he returned for a touchdown while making two stops-for-loss in the Temple clash. His four thefts placed him second on the conference leader board.

Savage also had two interceptions vs. Rutgers, becoming first Terp to achieve the feat since Sean Davis in 2015. He also broke up six of the 50 passes targeted into his area that resulted in 28 receptions for 239 yards, but no touchdowns.

Savage ended his Maryland career with 181 tackles (138 solos) in 43 games. He participated in 2,397 snaps, posting a 9-yard sack and nine stops for losses of 46 yards. He scored on a blocked field goal and on two of his eight interceptions that resulted in 153 return yards. He caused one fumble and deflected 22 of the 142 passes targeted to him that saw 83 completed (58.45%) for 1,021 yards and three touchdowns.

 

The Scouting Report

Athletic Ability...Savage has a small, yet athletic build with room on his frame to carry at least another ten pounds of bulk without the added weight affecting his overall quickness. He shows good arm and leg muscle definition, but his arms are slightly shorter than ideal (74 3/4-inch wing span/31-inch arm length), looking more like a ball carrier than an impact-hitting safety. Still, obvious by his pass theft and return figures, he shows good extension and natural hands to compete for the ball at its high point. He displays tight waist and hips, thick thighs and calves. He has to add more natural strength in the weight room, but has impressive upper and lower body flexibility (great contortionist going for the ball) and body control.

Savage runs with a short, quick stride, demonstrating above average flexibility, agility and balance moving in the open field. He has the foot speed (4.36 40-yard dash) to cover most receivers on deep routes and can quickly redirect and accelerate when his man gets behind him (good recovery burst). He is a fluid mover on plays in front of him, showing the plant-&-drive skills to come off the block and make plays at the opposite end of the field. He has excellent hand-eye coordination and natural hands, easily extending away from his frame to reach and pluck the ball at its highest point (see 2018 Temple, Rutgers games). He is becoming an efficient downhill tackler that makes lots of plays in front of him. He will sometimes round his cuts, but compensates with an explosive second gear and the ability to take proper angles to the ball when working in space. He displays the ability to accelerate quickly to the plays in front of him. He times his leaps properly and has natural hands for the interception.

Key and Diagnostic Skills...Savage shows very quick reactionary skills. He has that natural feel for finding the ball, thanks to his quick decision making that allows him to read and reacts in order to get to the ball in a hurry. He is seldom fooled by play action and misdirection, doing a nice job of keeping action in front of him. More than 35% of his tackles in his last two years came outside his territory, as he is alert to defensive breakdowns and feels it is his responsibility to serve as the “last line” for his unit. He is not the type that will bite on misdirection or play action, evident by his ability to easily read the quarterback and makes plays on the ball in flight.

He sets the tone of the game with his aggressive play and does not hesitate to close once he spots the ball. He has exceptional blocker awareness and because of that vision, he is able to slip through blocks to make plays in tight areas. He keeps his head on a swivel, tracking the ball in flight and times his leaps to get to the pigskin at its high point. He is not the type that will get over aggressive, but does hit with authority. He breaks on the ball well and gets a good jump from the hash.

Man Coverage Ability... Savage has great speed, which he couples with a quick plant-&-burst skill and he constantly keeps his feet moving, demonstrating above average change of direction agility. He is capable of being used to cover receivers one-on-one on deep routes (former cornerback), but is much more effective at playing the bump-&-run, as he rerouted receivers away from 26 pass attempts the last two years. Not only does he have the blazing speed needed to play in man coverage at the next level as a cornerback, but with his flexible hips and ease of movement when redirecting, he has no problem mirroring tight ends, slot receivers and running backs on underneath routes.

He gets a good jump on the ball to stay with the receivers in the short range area, using his hands well in attempts to impede the route’s progression. If playing in a system that will man him up on slots receivers and tight ends, he will do a very good job. He is just the type you need to cover the speedier receivers on deep patterns. He easily stays on the hips of the pass targets in the short-to-intermediate areas and when he gets his hands on the opponent and gets physical, he will generally reroute his man or jam him at the line of scrimmage.

Zone Coverage Ability...This is one of Savage’s better assets, as he is quick to read and react, using his speed and acceleration well to close ground on the ball. He consistently finishes plays with either an interception or pass deflection and has possibly the best vision and range of any safety at the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision level. He shows very good field vision and awareness, along with route recognition on his drop. He is adept at handling the switch-offs vs. backs and tight ends, showing alertness and a good feel for the ball.

He is quick to locate the pigskin when working in the box and gets a good jump on the play due to his ability to anticipate and diagnose the patterns (see 2018 Rutgers, Temple, Michigan games). He is an effective ball-hawk with natural hands for the interception. He does a good job of staying low in his pads while driving hard with his legs to neutralize receivers making plays in front of him. His vision and feel for the play will generally see him in position to make the tackle. The thing you see on film is his ability to fly up to the line quickly to support vs. the run.

Ball Reaction Skills...Savage is a calculating type who might take a few chances that will not be the norm for a safety, but he has very good vision to make the pick or break-up. He does a nice job of stepping in front of the pass. He is sort of a mind reader, as he works in perfect sync with what the quarterback is trying to do, making him more often than not in position to make a play on the ball. He is aggressive using his hands, resulting in him having success in jamming or rerouting receivers on passes targeted into his area. He gets an explosive break to close on the thrown ball and does a very nice job of locating and tracking the ball over his shoulder. What he excels at is chasing down the ball in flight, showing steady acceleration and timing to compete for the pass.

Jumping Ability...Savage has the athletic ability to reach and pluck the ball at its high point and possesses a very impressive 39 1/2-inch vertical jump. He tracks the ball well in flight and has the smooth change of direction agility to adjust when needed. The thing you see on film is his aggression combating for the ball (see 2018 Rutgers, Michigan games). He is a very good leaper, which he combines with his ability to track the ball and readily adjust to get under it. He shows no hesitation sacrificing his body to compete for the ball in a crowd. He can elevate from a stand-still position and times his leaps so he does not get there too early to make the play. He loves to compete for the high passes, as he is good at elevating to catch the ball in his hands and away from his body. He demonstrates body control flowing to the ball, taking no wasted steps when closing.

Hands...This is Savage’s best asset, evident by the fact that he is has set up six scoring drives via his eight interception returns (on the other two, he scored himself). While he has shorter-than-ideal arm reach (31-inches), he compensates with excellent leaping ability, timing and natural hands to reach and pluck the ball at its highest point. He catches the ball with his hands properly extended from the body’s frame. When he competes for the ball, he will generally get a piece of the pigskin. He uses his hands with force in pass coverage, doing a good job of jamming and rerouting tight ends when attacking at the line of scrimmage.

Run Defense...Savage is a solid wrap-up tackler and the scheme in 2018 called for him to see much more action inside the box than the coaches allowed in the past. He is quick to react to plays in front of him (better downhill tackler on running plays). He charges up fast to fill the rush lanes and shows good leverage, along with proper hand placement and usage to avoid and shed blocks.

The thing you see on film is his aggressiveness, as he works hard to play through blocks and shows good, low pad level when meeting the running backs at the line of scrimmage, but he needs to impact with more force behind those hits at times (when he takes a side, a ball carrier has success breaking those tackles). He will generally keep his shoulders square and drives hard with his legs to rock the ball carriers back. He runs with an effortless stride and is very decisive in his movements on plays in front of him. He takes good angles to the ball and will not shy away from contact working in-line. He is not asked to blitz much, but shows good acceleration in back side pursuit.

Tackling Ability...Savage shows good courage taking on bigger blockers, but can get pushed around some when he fails to keep his hands inside his frame. He was not used much in the box until last year, when the scheme called for him to be more active in there. He is mostly assigned to make plays on the ball in flight, thus his just average tackle totals, but he will usually make those hits count (46 third-down stops in his last 26 games). He will miss a few tackles when he tries to give a side and not execute his wrap-up technique, but does have good body control moving in the open field. He is not used often on blitzes as I would like, but he has that low center of gravity and leg drive to surprise a lethargic blocker when asked to shoot the gaps.

Compares To...LaMarcus Joyner-Oakland Raiders...Savage has enough range to play centerfield and his eight interceptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns are evidence that he is a solid ball hawk. He can mirror the tight end underneath and stays tight with the slot receivers up the seam, but he also has the speed and recovery skills to man up in multiple receiver formations. When working the zone, he gets a much better jump on the ball on plays coming from the middle hash. He will square up and hit with good pop and is a solid wrap-up tackler. He appears very instinctive going for the jump ball, timing his leaps to get to the pigskin at its high point.

 

 

 

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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

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4 points
 

Comments (42)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Qoojo's picture

April 28, 2019 at 02:12 pm

"He is seldom fooled by play action and misdirection"

Music to the ears. In fact, the whole paragraph was.

10 points
10
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Turophile's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:14 pm

It all sounds awesome. How far is this year going to be away from last year in safety play. I'll be looking forward to Andy Herman breaking the Packers players down this year.

4 points
4
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Spock's picture

April 29, 2019 at 02:49 am

"(46 third-down stops in his last 26 games)" was music to my ears too! I'm seeing third and outs for the other team this season. Can't say I expected that much until last year.

2 points
2
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PeteK's picture

April 28, 2019 at 02:23 pm

He is just what we have needed for a while, a center fielder with excellent speed and ball skills to go after the ball. Thought he could be had in 2nd to 3rd round but he has a skill set that is badly needed in today's pass happy offenses and quickly moved ahead of the early favorite Adderley. I feel very comfortable with with our D backfield now. Two ball hawkers, a savvy vet, a solid box S, and some young players with experience as backups and special team ability, which was a great weakness last season.

1 points
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CoachJV's picture

April 28, 2019 at 04:38 pm

Who are these supposed ballhawkers? The DB with the most INTs (2) left for another team. We don't have any ballhawks. King has never had an INT and Jaire is getting close.

We don't have any ballhawks.

-9 points
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9
PeteK's picture

April 28, 2019 at 04:58 pm

PDs included

1 points
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draftnut59's picture

April 28, 2019 at 05:30 pm

Kevin King had an interception in week 6 against San Francisco, but that is his only career interception.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

April 28, 2019 at 06:03 pm

Thanks, didn't include King as a ballhawk, he's just a lame duck.

-5 points
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6
fthisJack's picture

April 28, 2019 at 07:40 pm

i'll go out on a limb and predict that the DB will have 10+ INT this year.

1 points
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1
GLM's picture

April 30, 2019 at 12:24 am

It's become quite clear he wouldn't have been available much later on.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:14 pm

We used three of our top six picks to get this guy. He really needs to play well

-1 points
3
4
Coldworld's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:34 pm

What we gave up to get him is not his fault. We really need a safety who can play well alongside Amos. That is asking a lot of any rookie at a position that Collins showed takes time even for the naturally gifted.

Reading this suggests this might be one of the rare exceptions if his recognition skills are truly that strong. If so, we really got lucky, but also we need to be aware that he will have some growing pains. Let’s not put extra pressure on him, but be thankful we have secured a credible candidate for a second starting Safety this year and perhaps much more in future years.

6 points
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PeteK's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:46 pm

Yes , much of that pressure could be relieved with an excellent pass rush on which we spend an enormous amount of hard cash and draft capital.

1 points
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Samson's picture

April 28, 2019 at 06:02 pm

OSchool -- you need to try a different approach.... it's called the "whole picture" approach. --- The Pack's "D" will only improve because of the Savage draft pick. --- It's another weakness eliminated by Gute.

Who gives a $hit about 2 4th round bench-warmers. -- TT's gone. -- This is a new year with a new regime. -- No more 'effing around. --- You need to jump onboard the train --- Season 2019 is only a few months away.

6 points
8
2
Bert's picture

April 28, 2019 at 07:19 pm

I could care less what we gave up to get Savage. Geez. We've needed a top notch safety since Collins got injured in 2011. If Savage can provide top notch play (I think he will) then the 4th RD picks are forgettable flotsam.

6 points
7
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zeroluv's picture

April 28, 2019 at 10:49 pm

I was happy we didn’t give up a third or the second round pick. Who cares about two 4th rounders! They are nice to have but very rarely are they impact. Very rarely.

1 points
2
1
Springer's picture

April 29, 2019 at 02:05 am

Our 4th round picks from 2008-2016 were Jeremy Thompson, Sitton, Lang, House, Daniels, Jerron McMillian, Bakhtiari, Tretter, Jonathan Franklin, Carl Bradford, Ryan, Martinez, Lowry... 9 of 13 were productive by my count. I know this isn't the league standard, but 'very rarely' is maybe hyperbole.

4 points
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Rak43's picture

April 29, 2019 at 02:58 am

Now if only any of those guys were pro bowl caliber single high FS's you'd be onto something. You're not going to get a guy with Savage's talent in round four to play FS. You will get a guy he just won't be nearly as good.

4 points
4
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GLM's picture

April 30, 2019 at 12:27 am

Of course he needs to play well. They all do. The two 4ths were a surprise, at first, but if he's a legit starter, then he was worth it.

0 points
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HankScorpio's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:15 pm

Sounds like he has the talent to be the Pack's best Safety since Nick Collins. If he turns into that kind of player, the cost of those 2 4th rounders will be quickly forgotten.

12 points
12
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Coldworld's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:22 pm

If this summary of their analysis is truly an accurate picture of the player then I fully understand why Gute would think the two 4th rounders were well worth paying to snap him up.

Reading this makes me wonder about those who were confidently opining that he he would have dropped to us in the 30s, based presumably on the fact that he wasn’t a name that they knew. At least in the eyes of Scouts Inc., perhaps they should have been better informed or more hesitant to prognosticate?

5 points
7
2
PeteK's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:55 pm

"Those " might be correct if Thornhill or Adderley turn into good safeties. It's all a guessing game.

3 points
3
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CalPacker's picture

April 28, 2019 at 03:59 pm

Forget this write-up. Just look at Savage's tape.

A potential all-pro in exchange for a solid starting safety (Adderley/Rapp/Thornhill) and a couple of 4th round development players? I'll take it.

8 points
8
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Barazinho's picture

April 28, 2019 at 04:03 pm

It would be nice to see these evaluations for the other top safeties.

0 points
2
2
Rak43's picture

April 28, 2019 at 04:08 pm

Well then google them or look them up on NFL site. It's not like they're hiding for only NFL execs to see.

4 points
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zeroluv's picture

April 28, 2019 at 10:51 pm

Do your own homework’s db look them up yourself. Are you waiting for some else to do the work for you??

1 points
1
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TheBigCheeze's picture

April 28, 2019 at 04:53 pm

everything Savage is.....HHCD is NOT.......great pick!!!!

7 points
7
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fthisJack's picture

April 28, 2019 at 07:46 pm

i can't wait til Rodgers lights up HHCD. don't have to worry about an INT or getting tackled by him.

1 points
2
1
ReaganRulz's picture

April 28, 2019 at 05:31 pm

He kinda looks like Tyreek Hill but on defense. Hill always looks like he is the fastest player on the planet and so does Savage. I’m tired of our opponents getting a player in the flats and then not having a Packer defender touch him for 10 yards. Savage is someone that can just attack at Mach 10 speed and close the gap quickly. I get the downside of losing (2) 4th rounders, but if he plays for the Packers like he does on college tape, we are in for a fun few years on D.

4 points
4
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fthisJack's picture

April 28, 2019 at 07:48 pm

i love those TFL on his tape. he gets to the ball in a hurry!

2 points
2
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Lphill's picture

April 28, 2019 at 05:46 pm

Ravens wanted him after the Packers moved up to take him the Ravens immediately traded back when the Pack took him. The Ravens know defense. Thanks

6 points
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zeroluv's picture

April 28, 2019 at 10:52 pm

The colts wanted him too and the Colts GM Ballard drafts super well. The Colts traded down with the skins once Savage cane off the board.

0 points
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1
Lare's picture

April 28, 2019 at 06:01 pm

Should be a good player. About the only one drafted that fits a need on this team.

1 points
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fthisJack's picture

April 28, 2019 at 07:51 pm

i would argue that OLB, OL, RB, and ILB were needs.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 29, 2019 at 05:57 am

I would add TE. I’m less sure of ILB because I think we will have more players playing in an ILB role than are currently listed as such on the roster.

1 points
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Spock's picture

April 29, 2019 at 03:01 am

Jersey Al, Love these Pro Football Scout "Peeks". Thanks for the additional information. I don't get too interested in players Before the Draft, but I sure do like to learn more about the Packer picks Afterwards! Nice work in adding this feature. This is a great addition to CHTV.

0 points
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Mark S's picture

April 29, 2019 at 11:35 am

Savage was both the highest rated and Only true ballhawking FS in the draft. He has pro bowl potential, perhaps generational if he developed & stays healthy. Watch his tape, the Nick Collins from 2010. He has the same ball skills, same return ability, is little smaller but faster. He has similar eye discpline to not fool himself & is football smart so hard to fool. If he has his angles down as well as they say he'd be ahead of where Collins started, he sucked at that year 1. If his instincts are as good as they say look out. Collins was not just a shut down safety he was almost an offensive weapon. If Savage gets near that impactful & has a running mate like Amos look out.

0 points
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Mark S's picture

April 29, 2019 at 11:38 am

The key is 2 fold. #1 cut down only all the explosive plays that have plagued us since 2011. And #2 get extra possessions & field position for AR. Points would be frosting

1 points
1
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Mark S's picture

April 29, 2019 at 11:39 am

The key is 2 fold. #1 cut down only all the explosive plays that have plagued us since 2011. And #2 get extra possessions & field position for AR. Points would be frosting

0 points
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porupack's picture

April 29, 2019 at 01:43 pm

I wished the 2 fourths would have been used to trade up in top of round 3 or bottom round 2; and pick up another top 75 prospect at CB or OT. While Savage looks great. I'm not convinced he's better than Thornhill or other Safety+2nd round CB or OT or DL or LB. The sum of those two are likely to be more than the sum of one Savage. Hope Gute is right.

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

May 01, 2019 at 06:30 pm

I agree with you, but hope Gute is right.

0 points
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EliseChandler's picture

January 20, 2020 at 07:38 am

0 points
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