Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse
Size:
Height: 6047
Weight: 257
Arm: 33 ⅜”
Hand: 10 ⅜”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Fadil Diggs is a high-effort defender who uses positional flexibility and his athleticism to make splash plays in every phase.”
Strengths:
Football IQ
Versatility
Play speed
Finds the football
Leverage exploitation
Concerns:
Length
Pass-rush plan
Anchor
Pass-rush tool bag
Film Analysis:
Fadil Diggs played multiple positions at Woodrow Wilson High School but excelled at defensive end. He racked up 99 tackles, including 19.0 sacks, and added five forced fumbles in his career while totaling more than 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on the offensive side. He earned the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019 and became a four-star recruit, ultimately committing to Texas A&M. Diggs wasn’t very productive in his first two seasons but started to gain traction over his last two years, compiling 64 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. He entered the transfer portal as a four-star player and committed to Syracuse, where he had his most productive season.
Playing stand-up linebacker and defensive end, Diggs showcased positional versatility, which has become desirable for NFL coaches. While he possesses the ideal size and weight at 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds, playing at two positions has left him in a tweener role. Improving his arm use with regular extensions will go a long way as a defensive end. His eye discipline is apparent in his ability to locate the football quickly in the run game when misdirection is used and against play-action passes. His downhill speed and ability to close in the run game allow him to be an impactful backfield disruptor. Disengaging blocks and double-team anchor are where he needs to improve, but his understanding of leverage and body weight helps pull through blockers. Diggs is willing to take on pullers and read the running back to decide whether to flow with the play or take on the puller quickly.
It’s clear Diggs is still developing a pass-rush tool bag and plan, but his rip move comes with quick hands and execution. Relying on pure athleticism too often sees him get stuck on blocks, and he allows tackles easy access to his chest. He can threaten the arc and counter inside with a quick spin or swim move, but sequencing still needs improvement. When he wins the arc, he has the ankle flexion to corner and close on the quarterback but rarely shows bend to drop under the arms of a tackle. His reactionary athleticism shows up when he drops into coverage and when changing direction. Whenever Diggs has a route come close to him or through his zone, he looks to get his hands on the receiver to disrupt play timing. He looks fluid and natural in space, tracking the QB and route concepts underneath him in zone, and rallies to the ball carrier with excellent closing speed.
Diggs is an intriguing blend of linebacker and pass rusher who flashes multiple ways to win from the edge. However, his run defense technique is a work in progress. Learning to use his arms more effectively, disengaging from blocks in the run game, and adding a few tools to his pass rush tool bag will be essential for his development.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: UNLV (2024), Miami (2024), NC State (2024), Georgia Tech (2024)
