Darnell Savage Jr. was without question one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft class. The Green Bay Packers wanted him badly and Brian Gutekunst made the call to trade up to the No. 21 overall pick in order to get him. Now, Savage is set to be a starter for the Green Bay defense.

Looking ahead to the 2019 regular season in the NFL that begins on Thursday against the Chicago Bears for the Packers, Savage is going to be a massive impact player for the franchise. He will start in a renovated safety role alongside of free agency acquisition Adrian Amos. Mike Pettine could not be more excited about his new safeties.

Green Bay has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Matt LaFleur was brought in to help change that and the early results have been solid.

The offense is always going to be dangerous as long as Aaron Rodgers is wearing the green and gold. Over the years, the Packers have had major issues on the defensive side of the ball. In the one season that Green Bay had a top defense, they ended up beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three late-minute predictions for Packers rookie Darnell Savage.

3. He Starts All 16 Games for the Packers

One of the most important things for Green Bay's playoff hopes this season with be staying healthy. They have had rough luck with injuries in recent years. Savage will stay available all season long.

He will end up starting in all 16 games of his rookie season for the Packers. Green Bay could not be more excited to see him play this season and to see how he develops in the future. The fans are going to get a long look at him this year.

2. The Rookie Records at Least Five Interceptions

Green Bay has not had a lot of playmaking ability on the defensive side of the football in a long time. If there is one thing that Savage has proven himself more than capable of, it's making plays and racking up interceptions.

Savage has top-notch speed at the safety position and he has great instincts as well. The Packers are going to need to force turnovers this season and Savage will be a major help in that department. He will end up with at least five interceptions as a rookie in 2019.

1. Savage Will Finish As a Top-3 Candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year

Some years, this prediction may not seem too bold. This year, however, there are a ton of talented rookies on the defensive side of the football. Savage working his way into the top three would be a massive accomplishments.

Names like Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Devin White, Devin Bush, and more come to mind when thinking about that award. Savage will be among the top rookie performers this season. If he plays up to that level, the Packers' defense is going to take a major jump forward in the secondary.