Packers: Darnell Savage can become an All-Pro in 2021

In 2018, the Green Bay Packers traded up to select Jaire Alexander in the first round. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was named a second-team All-Pro in his third season.

In 2019, the Packers traded up and picked Darnell Savage in the first round. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

In his third season, don’t be surprised if Savage also becomes an All-Pro.

Like Alexander, Savage has been impressive if inconsistent in his first two years in the league. But as he enters his third season, it could all come together.

We saw signs of what could come next in 2020.

In the second half of the regular season, Savage defended 10 passes and made four interceptions. He made plays all over the field.

Savage was particularly impressive in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, in a six-game stretch between Weeks 10 and 15, he was targeted 14 times, allowing just two receptions with three interceptions and four pass breakups. Quarterbacks had a 3.1 passer rating throwing his way.

According to Pro Football Reference, his passer rating allowed over the course of the entire season was 67.3, almost exactly the same to Alexander’s.

New defensive coordinator Joe Barry has a lot of young talent to work with in 2021. While the Packers need to get Alexander some help at cornerback, Green Bay’s starting safety tandem of Savage and Adrian Amos is one of the best in the league.

Savage has shown potential in his first two seasons, but his performances late in 2020 were particularly exciting. Like Alexander did in years one and two, Savage looks like a future star.

There are many reasons to be excited about the Packers’ defense entering 2021. Work still needs to be done at positions such as cornerback, defensive tackle, and inside linebacker.

But if Savage can take another step in his third season, the Packers could have another All-Pro on the defensive side of the ball.