Packers: Darnell Savage set for breakout season in 2020

Packers safety Darnell Savage is poised for a breakout season.

In January, Darnell Savage was named to the 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team after an impressive first year with the Green Bay Packers.

Now, he’s set for a breakout second season.

The Packers desperately needed help at safety entering the 2019 season. Savage, along with free-agent signing Adrian Amos, provided that. Savage started all 14 games that he played, finishing his rookie year with two interceptions, five pass defenses, and 55 tackles.

Savage can be breakout star in Packers defense

The Packers defense is loaded with young talent. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and defensive tackle Kenny Clark are key players at their respective positions and are both still under 25 years old. Clark made his first Pro Bowl last year and Alexander isn’t far away from also being a Pro Bowler.

Savage, too, can be a breakout star for the Packers defense.

There’s a reason why Green Bay traded up to select him in the first round last April. He can become a difference-maker for this defense and showed last season he’s well on his way.

Savage forced four turnovers in total, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was also tough to complete a pass against. According to Pro Football Focus, Savage allowed a reception every 33.3 coverage snaps, a team-best.

According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed just 56.7 percent of passes thrown into his coverage to be completed, with a 71.1 passer rating. Both were among the lowest allowed among Packers defenders.

Tackling was a concern for Savage and an area he’ll need to improve, but this isn’t a reason to be worried. He can fix this part of his game. What was clear when watching Savage was that he does a lot very well and can be a star.

After an impressive first season in the NFL, Savage showed why he was a first-round pick. He’s now set for a breakout 2020 season.