Packers: Ranking NFC North safeties ahead of 2021 season

The NFC North is pretty loaded at safety that not only includes one of the singular best in the NFL, but also two of the best tandems.

The Green Bay Packers’ rising pairing of Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos has their best football ahead of them and came on strong to end the 2020 season. They compliment each other very well and have really thrived playing off each other’s unique skill set.

The safety position, in general, is asked to do just about everything from covering wide receivers in the slot to playing deep and keeping everyone in front of them to tackling running backs near the line of scrimmage or in the open field. That makes them one of the most underrated players in the game so let’s take a look at the top five safeties in the division.

The Green Bay Packers have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL, but how do they stack up as individuals compared to the rest of the NFC North?

5. Tashaun Gipson Sr., Chicago Bears

A newcomer to the North in 2020, Tashaun Gipson Sr. showed everyone that he’s a solid all-around player, even if he doesn’t make spectacular plays. Gipson can not only hold his own in coverage, but he’s a sound, fundamental tackler as well. He may not be known to casual fans, but he’s a nice piece to the Bears’ defense.

4. Eddie Jackson, Chicago Bears

Eddie Jackson does most of the heavy lifting in the Chicago secondary, and for good reason. He had one of the best seasons ever back in 2018 when he nabbed six interceptions to go along with 15 passes deflected. However, he only has two interceptions and 10 passes deflected in the two seasons since. It certainly seems like he peaked, but at just 27-years-old, there’s still time for him to get back on track.

3. Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers

Talk about someone’s arrow who is pointing straight up. The Packers’ coaching staff ranted and raved about Darnell Savage last summer, and he finally showed why after a slow start to the season. He continues to flash splash plays that could turn him into one of the great safeties in the NFL. For right now, he needs to work on his consistency, especially when it comes to tackling.

2. Adrian Amos, Green Bay Packers

Adrian Amos isn’t as flashy as Savage, but he’s the more sound safety. At least for now. He’s not going to pick off a lot of passes, but he does provide good run support and is excellent in coverage. Green Bay can use him to defend tight ends, running backs, or even receivers in the slot. Amos continues to coach up Savage on the field as well and the two are a great tandem.

1. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

Harrison Smith is still the cream of the crop when it comes to safety play both in the division and in the NFL. Smith can literally do it all. He flies around the field when you least expect it and can cover sideline to sideline with seeming ease. He’s also a force in the running game and can truly play all over the field.