STRENGTHS
Darnell is listed as a safety but the truth is, he could play many different positions on both sides of the ball. He has excellent quick/twitch athleticism with speed. He is an excellent tackler, has excellent hands to intercept the ball and might be THE best cover safety in this draft and one of the better cover corners in this draft. He has everything you look for in a receiver and a Defensive Back. He shows leadership skills through his play on the field, coverage skills when playing in the slot and speed, quickness, vision like a running back to take the ball to the house after an interception. On defense he can play any Defensive Back position. He is instinctive, decisive and when he goes to tackle he is like a heat seeking missile, taking down any size player with a form tackle and with authority. Darnell plays like a Rocket on the field and that’s why I call him Darnell (Rocket Man) Savage.
CONCERNS
Like I always say…you can nit-pick a player right into the 7th round if you want. Size maters in the draft but once a player hits the field and produces…all of a sudden, size doesn’t matter. Also, Darnell will be downgraded because the position he plays. Some teams just do not want to spend the money on the safety position in general and feel they can find a safety at any point in the draft. I agree but, than again… there are exceptions to every rule.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.47
Darnell reminds me of former Patriots Troy Brown. Troy was selected in the 1993 Draft in the 8th round. He was drafted primarily as a wide receiver but he played special teams and cornerback. Troy played for 15 years for the Patriots. As a receiver he recorded 557 catches for 6,366 yards, 31 touchdowns. On defense he made 39 tackles, broke up 5 passes and had 3 interceptions. On Special Teams as a punt returner he accumulated 2,625 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. In 2017 the Titans selected in the first round (18th) Adoree’ Jackson and in just a few short years is creating a problem for his team in replacing his talent because he is playing and impacting on defense, offense and special teams. Darnell and Adoree’ are the same size and both have same Athletic talent. So, go ahead pass on selecting Danelle because of the one box, you can’t check (size) is the one box that really doesn’t matter once the game starts. Go ahead, I dare you to pass on selecting the heat seeking missile that can impact your teams defense, offense and special teams. Personally, I don’t pass on selecting defensive playmakers because of size. But, that’s just me, talking to myself.
