The Green Bay Packers traded up to select Maryland safety Darnell Savage Jr. No. 21 overall in the NFL draft on Thursday.
It’s the first time the Terrapins had players selected in the first round in back-to-back years since 2005 and 2006, when linebacker Shawne Merriman and tight end Vernon Davis entered the league.
The Packers traded up with the Seattle Seahawks to No. 21 to take Savage.
A Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2018, Savage ended his college career with 30 consecutive starts and ranked 13th in the country with four interceptions in 2018. His stock rose throughout the draft process since declaring.
“To hear my name called on draft night is the realization of a lifelong dream,” Savage said, via a University of Maryland press release. “I’m ecstatic to be a Green Bay Packer. I want to thank my parents, family, coaches and brothers inside the Maryland locker room that helped me reach this point. We’re going to enjoy this moment tonight and then I can’t wait to get to Green Bay to start my NFL journey.”
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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