Kobe Savage, SAF, Oregon
Size:
Height: 5’11”| Weight: 207 lbs
Accomplishments:
All-Big 12 Second Team (2022)
“Kobe Savage is a physical-hitting impact defender with alignment versatility to mix and match the offense’s personnel grouping.”
Strengths:
Alignment flexibility (FS, SS, Nickel)
Plus-one in the run game
Reliable alley runner
Boundary safety in two-high shells
Concerns:
Overaggressive downhill trigger; bites hard on play action fakes
Double-digit missed tackles in 2023
Adequate man coverage defender but much better in zone
Arm length to battle at the catch point
Film Analysis:
Kobe Savage is a position-versatile defensive back who plays with a great motor. Savage was used all over Kansas State’s secondary to display his versatility. He is a physical player who excels closer to the line of scrimmage as a box safety. He is a solid zone coverage defender with adequate hip fluidity. He brings starting experience with 22 games under his belt.
Zone coverage is where Savage is best utilized against the pass. He drops to his landmarks with confidence and instincts. He does a good job passing off routes to a teammate's zone and not abandoning his responsibilities. Savage keys route concepts well and closes space on the ball as it arrives at the targeted receiver. He fits the role of a hook/curl and middle hook defender in zone coverage. Savage effectively aligns as the nickel defender and impacts the passing game.
Savage is a reliable and impactful plus-one defender against the run. He fits the run well from depth and triggers downhill to fill lanes. He runs the alley with physical intentions on his mind. He is a physical wrap-up tackler and striker. Savage blitzes from the nickel position to close off the edges from the ball-carrier.
Being over-aggressive is the lead concern for Savage. He bites too hard on play-action fakes with false steps deep downhill—leaving his zone unprotected. Savage’s aggressive nature causes missed tackles and improper angles. He was charged with 16 missed tackles in 2023. Savage’s click and close is not overly dynamic. When pushed upfield, it may take a second for him to stop and trigger downhill toward the route.
Overall, Savage is a talented and physical defender. He is disciplined to hit his landmarks and it puts him in a position to make plays on the football. He projects as a backup hybrid strong safety/nickel. Savage will help improve his team’s run defense and disrupt passing windows on third downs.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Kansas (2023), Texas (2023), Missouri (2023)
