Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule pre-draft visit with Maryland safety

The NFL pre-draft process is now in full swing as visits are being scheduled; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scheduled a visit with an athletic safety.

Former Maryland Terrapins Safety Darnell Savage has been a very busy man since the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. Savage has either visited or is rumored to visit roughly ten teams including the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, and last but not least, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Savage is clearly going to be a hot commodity many teams are after come the draft in late April in Nashville, Tennessee.

While at Maryland Savage was able to see the field in all four years, which is rare in today’s college football climate. After playing sparingly as a freshman Savage made a huge jump as a sophomore playing in 11 games and totaling 59 total tackles, three passes deflected, one sack and one interception.

Savage took another big jump in his play as a junior starting in 12 games, totaling another 59 tackles and improved to three interceptions, eight passes deflected and scored a defensive touchdown. As a senior Savage totaled 52 tackles, four interceptions, two passes deflected while starting all 12 games.

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One thing that can be taken away from his successful four year career is that he is consistent and reliable not only as a safety but as a slot corner as well. Having this kind of consistency and versatility is what has so many NFL teams calling.

While at the combine Savage came in a little undersized at 5’11”, 198 pounds with 31” arms and hands coming in a hair over 9” long. Savage helped his draft stock most at the combine by running a blazing fast 4.36 40 yard dash. While he lacks the ideal size he sure makes up for it with that speed and natural ability to make plays in space.

According to NFL.com, the numbers Savage posted at the combine were enough to earn a starter grade at 5.63, which has him in the top 10 among safeties in the upcoming draft. While his numbers place him in the top 10 most draft experts consider Savage a top 5 at his position.

The Bucs are clearly interested in Savage enough to use one of their limited visits to bring him in and see what he is all about as a person. The Bucs currently have newly signed Kentrell Brice at safety and are returning second-year safety Jordan Whitehead and likely starter Jordan Evans as well. Savage could fill in as a rotational safety if he does not earn the starting gig while finding snaps as a nickel cover guy.

Expect Savage to go on day-two in the draft and be a guy that is around the league for a while. If the Buccaneers want to grab the ultra-athletic safety, they will need to use a second or third round pick to grab him.