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

• 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

Weaknesses

• 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

40 Yard Dash 4.36

4.36 enables him to play CB in a pinch.

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? [lol]

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

Mucky Tundra;416686

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

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.

Mucky Tundra;416686Edit: Ravens also traded out at #22, possible they did so after missing out on Savage

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.

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.

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.