Detroit Lions, NFC North Positional Previews: Safeties

Green Bay Packers

Key returning players: Josh Jones, Raven Greene

New additions: Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage (R), Mike Tyson

Key losses: Kentrell Brice

After registering just seven interceptions as a team in 2018 (tied for second from the bottom), the Green Bay Packers knew they needed to invest in some playmakers on the back end to support their new pass rushers and their young cornerbacks. They ended up dedicating some serious capital to the safety position in the offseason.

The Packers poached standout Adrian Amos from a division rival, the Chicago Bears, in the offseason as their first means of addressing their lack of takeaways from defensive backs. Amos had his finest season in 2018, starting all 16 games and helping the Bears hit their league-leading total of 27 interceptions. $36 million over four years seemed to expensive for Chicago though, now they’ll have to face him twice a year.

The Packers are hoping to pair Amos with Darnell Savage, one of their two first round selections this season, sooner rather than later. They loved his instincts, coverage ability, and closing speed enough to take him at twenty-first overall. But, he will have to overcome his lack of size (under six feet and under 200 pounds), which could make it tough to cover some of the skilled tight ends in the NFC North.

If Savage isn’t ready to contribute right away, young players like Josh Jones and Raven Greene will be relied upon to play a significant number of snaps on defense. Jones has a ways to go to fully gain defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s trust, but he offers tremendous size (6-2, 220), and he made some improvements last season.

The Packers will rely on a retooled front seven to create consistent pressure, and on their new safeties to make plays on the back end. There isn’t a lot of depth, but Savage and Amos could prove to be worth the heavy investments.