Darnell Savage

Savage appeared to be a player on the rise heading into last season, but his numbers dipped in just about every category. The Packers don't have anyone pushing him, so he figures to play nearly every snap like he did in 2021. There's reason to believe Savage can bounce back, as he was a 2019 first-rounder who will be in position to capitalize if the defense as a whole takes a step forward.

It took Savage some time to get comfortable, but he showed over the back half of last season why the Packers traded up to get him in the first round of the 2019 Draft, racking up 43 tackles, a sack, four interceptions and 10 pass defenses between Weeks 10 and 17. With the steady Adrian Amos playing alongside him, Savage will have a chance to continue building on those numbers in 2021. Savage is unlikely to make a big impact in the tackle department, but he figures to have a few fantasy-friendly weeks if he continues making plays.

The Packers traded up to select Savage in the first round last season, and he stepped right into the starting safety spot alongside Adrian Amos. Savage didn't do a lot in the tackle department, but he did pick off two passes and force two fumbles despite missing a couple games. Amos' steady presence allows defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to use Savage freely, and Savage has the speed and playmaking skills to, in Amos' words, "make a big jump" in Year 2.

Savage steadily rose up mocks leading up to the NFL draft, and the Packers proved the prognosticators correct, trading up to snag the safety with the 21st overall pick. Savage possesses a nice mix of talents, primarily his exceptional speed at the safety position, and should pair nicely with the assignment-oriented Adrian Amos, who will also be playing his first season in Green Bay. So long as Savage secures the starting spot during training camp, he has a chance to make a fantasy impact in his rookie season.