Fadil

Diggs

Haener was the betting favorite to win the starting quarterback job for the Saints before they went with Spencer Rattler under center. He was released by the team as they trimmed down to 53, signed to the practice squad, and then re-signed to the active roster within a week before his eventual release. The team signed DE Fadil Diggs in a corresponding move.

Diggs (6’4/257) is a rocked-up, long-levered defensive end with elite pro-day testing (9.36 RAS) and the versatility to line up in both even and odd fronts. Diggs looks the part of a modern NFL edge with a 4.57 forty, 1.60 10-yard split, and 4.39 shuttle showcasing twitchy explosiveness and straight-line juice. A former Texas A&M captain, Diggs transferred to Syracuse for his final season and put together his most complete year: 45 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. His pass-rush grade (83.2) backs up the tools. He uncorks a strong arm-over move and flashes strike-lift power when lined inside. But the tape reveals hesitation. Diggs lacks natural feel versus the run, too often slow to locate the football and inconsistent in his punch as a stand-up rusher. He has the size and athleticism, but the motor doesn’t always match. Diggs has sub-package upside and developmental intrigue in multiple fronts.

Diggs (6'4/225) may have committed to the Aggies in early May, but he has been keeping his options open. One team, in particular, appears to have gotten its foot in the door. Just this past weekend, the Camden native trekked out on an official visit to Penn State and beyond that, Wommack passes along that Diggs has visited Happy Valley unofficially a “number of times” to date. Rivals ranks Diggs as the No. 192 overall prospect in the 2020 class. The standout defensive end is currently in Atlanta for the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge. Should anything fresh information emerge in his recruitment during the event, we will pass along word.

Farrell is impressed by the reach of Texas A&M HC Jimbo Fisher, who spread his recruiting wings all the way up to Camden, New Jersey, to reel in Diggs. Jimbo’s pitch to the four-star prospect involved early playing time -- perhaps even playing time as a true freshman. Rivals ranks the quick-footed 6-foot-4, 225-pounder as the No. 200 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

“The coaches said they only recruit players from out-of-state if they think they could play early,” said Diggs (6'4/225). “The said they could see my doing big things early, as a freshman.” The four-star defensive end will have to rely on his quickness early on in his career since he’s still growing, but it sounds like he’ll be in the rotation as early as the 2020 season. Diggs is currently listed as Rivals’ No. 200 overall recruit of the 2020 class.

Diggs (6'4/225) has taken unofficial visits to Penn State and Texas A&M, and he’s also visited Ohio State and Oregon in the past. Following his visit to Texas A&M the four-star defensive end declared the Aggies to be tops on his list, but it’s worth noting that the May 4 announcement will not be the end of his recruitment. Diggs has an official visit to Florida scheduled for the weekend of May 17, and he said that he still plans to make that trip.

Diggs (6'4/225) will be checking out Texas A&M this coming weekend and is additionally planning a trip to Oregon for March. He has previously visited Ohio State and is hoping to be able to visit Arkansas at some point this offseason. On the 247Sports composite board, Diggs ranks as the No. 138 overall prospect in the 2020 class.