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NFL Draft 2019: Packers trade up, select Darnell Savage Jr. at No. 21

By Freddie Boston

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: Troy Fumagalli #81 of the Wisconsin Badgers is brought down by Darnell Savage Jr. #4 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: Troy Fumagalli #81 of the Wisconsin Badgers is brought down by Darnell Savage Jr. #4 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers traded up to No. 21 to select safety Darnell Savage Jr. in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

With their second selection on the opening night of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers picked safety Darnell Savage Jr. from Maryland.

Just like last year, the Packers have traded up with the Seattle Seahawks. Green Bay received the No. 21 pick from Seattle, and sent the No. 30 pick and two fourth-rounders (No. 114 and No. 118). Once again, GM Brian Gutekunst has addressed one of the team’s top needs.

This was the team’s second first-round pick. It was on the opening night of last year’s draft, of course, that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made two trades, first moving down 13 positions with the New Orleans Saints, receiving a bonus first-rounder as a result. Following the Saints’ excellent season that finished with defeat in the NFC Championship Game, Green Bay received the 30th-overall selection.

The second trade saw Green Bay trade back up to No. 18 overall, which is where they selected cornerback Jaire Alexander, who went on to make the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2018.

Earlier tonight, the Packers used the No. 12 overall selection to select defensive end Rashan Gary. Now, with two first-round picks, Green Bay has strengthened its pass rush and secondary with Gary and Savage. Brian Gutekunst continues to make the defensive side of the ball his number one focus this offseason.

What are your thoughts on Green Bay’s two first-round picks? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on what has been an exciting opening night of the 2019 NFL Draft. And of course, Green Bay still has plenty of picks to work with over the next two days.

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