Packers: Darnell Savage Jr. predicted to make 2019 All-Rookie Team

Green Bay Packers first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. could be set for a great rookie season.

The Green Bay Packers had the rare luxury of picking twice on the opening night of the draft, and general manager Brian Gutekunst moved up to add two defensive talents in the top-21 on Day 1. The second selection was Maryland safety Darnell Savage Jr.

Chad Reuter of NFL.com has put together his 2019 All-Rookie Team ahead of the new season, predicting which rookies will make fast starts this year.

The two starters at safety? Savage is joined by Nasir Adderley, who was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Savage has every chance to start Week 1 at safety for the Packers. The team needed to get better at the position this offseason, and Gutekunst has strengthened the secondary by pairing Adrian Amos via free agency with Savage via the first round of the draft.

Josh Jones and Raven Greene will compete with Savage for a starting job this summer, but barring an injury to either Savage or Amos, it’s hard to imagine the rookie not winning the competition and starting early in the season.

For that reason, Savage could make a big impact right away in Green Bay’s secondary. The defensive backfield is now loaded with talent. With seven interceptions over the past two years at Maryland, if Savage can become a ball-hawk in Mike Pettine’s defense, he’ll quickly gain national recognition.

Reuter left the Packers’ other first-round selection, Rashan Gary, out of his All-Rookie Team. After signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency, there’s no guarantee Gary will start many games in 2019. That’s not to say he won’t be a key contributor on defense — the Packers need him to be — but with depth at edge rusher, he might not get the same opportunity as Savage.

Which Packers rookies do you think could make the All-Rookie Team in 2019?