GREEN BAY – It was an off-the-cuff remark that wasn't said in an arrogant or braggadocious manner.

But it reflected how safety Darnell Savage sees his game a little differently than some outside observers.

Asked after his first Packers rookie minicamp practice last week what he brings to Green Bay's defense, Savage easily could have pointed to his 4.36 speed and its impact on the field.

Instead, he said, "My brain is what really stands out."

He talked about his speed, too, but the 5-foot-11, 198-pounder was making it clear that his smarts allow his speed to be maximized. Put another way, there are those who run fast, and those who play fast. Savage would like to think he's both, because he has a sharp mind to go with top-of-the-charts athleticism.

Which leads to Savage's goal with regard to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's playbook, as the first-round and 21st overall draft pick the Packers traded up to select looks to step in as a Day 1 starter.