However, the Rams sport confirmed why Jeff Heath couldn’t be remembered as the opposite number one safety. Dallas desires a fearless run defender with sufficient versatility to play in bypass insurance. As the Cowboys appear to finish their defense after a sturdy display in 2018, safety is one area they’re trying to improve. Xavier Woods showed that he was more than successful in the remaining year as part of that equation.
Maryland’s Darnell Savage seems to fit that mold flawlessly. He extra than lives as much as his name as he is a vicious hitter who takes pride in beginning touch and bringing down the ball carrier. He typically takes proper angles and frequently lowers his shoulder to use his complete body to put the lumber on opposing players.
It becomes surprising that Savage didn’t have a higher quantity of bench press reps at the combine (he was 1/3-lowest among safeties), as Savage performs with an at-instances overwhelming amount of electricity. He does a good job of dropping blocks via natural strength and bursting through to get to the ball.
But Savage’s bodily play fashion doesn’t stop there. He transfers it to pass coverage as nicely. Whereas a maximum of the safeties on tests can be great, defenders have average coverage competitor agencies; Savage shows the potential to be triumphant with regularity in deep sector insurance. Woods has the highest unmarried-excessive protection between him and Woods; however, putting Savage back in that function isn’t as big a chance as it’s miles with others.
Savage has an electric-powered burst out of his stance while in the region to react to the ball quickly. This has helped him become a ball hawk in his time at Maryland, as evidenced by his eight interceptions in three years. When the ball is inside the air, Savage will play for the pick 99% of the time. This aggressiveness caused his surprising stats and potential to transition to a runner after making the interception; he averaged 19.1 yards according to interception return in college, which is only a cherry on top.
However, Savage’s largest weakness is his electricity. While it’s admirable that Savage always goes for the big play or big hit, and while it works, it’s a game changer, the alternative facet of factors is that Savage can now and again be too competitive and wind up out of control. Sometimes, he’ll cross for the hit so difficult that he misses the address or whiffs on the interception and gives up a massive capture as a substitute.
He must work on something at the following degree, specifically playing the ball inside the air. His instincts give him the potential to become an exceptional starting protection. However, he wishes to rein in those instincts just a bit and grow to be a more cerebral participant. In Dallas, Savage would be working with one of the qualities protecting backs coaches, Kris Richard, which might help him attain his stated potential.
Savage could cross everywhere from the early 2nd round to somewhere in the 1/3 spherical. If the Cowboys need him, they may need to use their 58th select if he is to be had. Savage is a chunk of an increase-or-bust prospect; however, he can be a great safety with the right coaching, and Dallas might be a suitable situation.
