Editor's note: NBC Sports Bay Area will preview the NFL Draft with a look at the 49ers’ top needs, profiles of prospects who might fit their needs and some hidden gems. In this installment, we profile Alabama defensive back Trevon Diggs.
Yes, Trevon Diggs is the younger brother of new Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs.
Like Stefon, Trevon started his football career as a wide receiver. The younger Diggs played both offense and defense as a freshman, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban influenced moved Diggs to the secondary full-time heading into his sophomore season.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Because of his background as a receiver, Diggs is known for his excellent ball skills. He is athletic and fluid, especially for a player of his size. He spent his time at Alabama practicing against wide receivers Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy, two of the 2020 draft's top prospects, which prepared him for NFL-caliber wideouts.
Diggs, who some have compared to First Team All-Pro cornerback (and current free agent) Aqib Talib, was exceptional in zone coverage. That's what 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh utilizes, and Diggs' ball-tracking is reminiscent of Richard Sherman, another receiver-turned-corner.
Listen and subscribe to the 49ers Insider Podcast:
There are few knocks on Diggs. He must get better at tackling in open space, and he needs to be more consistent in deep coverage. The 49ers would need to work with him in those areas, but the good news is Diggs has a high ceiling and plenty of room to grow.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers might not prioritize cornerback enough to draft one in the first round, but Diggs would provide value if he slips. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had the Crimson Tide prospect going in the first round in earlier mock drafts, but Kiper Jr. most recently slated Diggs as a late second-round pick.
Diggs could learn from Sherman, the expert at his position, until the veteran decides it’s time to transition to safety.
[RELATED: Clemson CB Terrell an intriguing 49ers option in NFL draft]
NFL draft profile: Trevon Diggs
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 205 pounds
College: Alabama
Career stats
43 solo tackles, 17 passes defensed, four interceptions and four forced fumbles over four seasons.
Combine measurables:
Diggs performed in on-field workouts but didn’t participate in testing.
What experts are saying:
Todd McShay, ESPN: “Diggs is ultraversatile and has really good closing burst. And since he grew up playing wide receiver like his brother Stefon, Diggs has excellent ball skills as well."
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media: "Diggs has elite size, athleticism and ball skills. He uses an effective one-hand jam in press before opening up and staying on the hip. He's fluid for such a big cornerback."
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: “Diggs is a guy who had some games where he was a little inconsistent in terms of his coverage ability. He likes to be physical. You think about what he can be at the pro level when he’s coached and continues to improve."
Lance Zierlein, NFL Media: "Talented prospect with rare combination of size, strength and ball skills. The foot agility and short-area burst are good for his size and helped keep completion totals low. He's inconsistent staying in phase with downfield routes and long speed is his kryptonite, causing grabbing and holding when panic sets in."
Greg Cosell, NFL Films: "Overall Diggs is one of the best corner prospects in the 2020 draft class (Could make the argument that he's number 2 behind Jeffrey Okudah). And his combination of length, athleticism, fluidity, competitiveness is high level."
Draft projection: First round