2020 NFL draft profile: Trevon Diggs could become a star corner in the NFL

Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs certainly has the profile of someone who figures to be a star at the next level. He’s an elite athlete with the bloodlines and college production to match. Diggs hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Stefon, a Pro Bowl wide receiver now on the Bills. In fact, the younger Diggs started his career with the Crimson Tide as a wideout, before making the switch to defense full-time as a sophomore.

A former five-star recruit coming out of high school, Diggs earned second-team All-SEC honors in his senior season. He picked off three passes on the season, but was picked on by LSU and presumptive first overall pick Joe Burrow in Bama’s loss to the eventual national champions.

Diggs did not do any testing at the combine in Indy but likely would have been among the most athletic. While Nick Saban’s football factory has produced endless first-round picks, the unknown measurables could cause Diggs to drop to Day 2.

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Current roster at CB: Entering the offseason, you could argue corner was a bigger need for the Eagles than any position on the roster, receiver included. They’ve upgraded big time with the trade and subsequent contract extension for Darius Slay. Swapping a third and fifth rounder for the Pro Bowler reunites Slay with Jim Schwartz and finally gives the Birds’ defensive coordinator a No. 1 corner. As for who else starts outside, it appears it’s Avonte Maddox’s job to lose, but he’ll have competition from Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas. That’s assuming both are still on the roster come the season opener. Nickell Robey-Coleman was added in free agency to bolster the nickel position and figures to have the inside track over Cre’Von LeBlanc.

How he would fit: The hope would be that Diggs would come in Day 1 and start opposite Slay, finally giving the Eagles elite, athletic cornerback play. However, having already added a pair of veteran corners this offseason, it’s possible Howie Roseman thinks his work at the position is done. It doesn’t seem likely the Eagles would simply pull the trigger on Diggs at 21 without at least exploring the possibility of moving down to recoup some picks first.

Eagles history at drafting CB: Not coincidentally, the Eagles have a need at the position because of their struggles in finding corners every April. They’ve spent a plethora of premium picks trying to address their issues. Eric Rowe (second round in 2015), Jones (second round in 2017) and Douglas (third round in 2017) all failed to fill the void. The only capable starter they’ve found via the draft at the position, Jalen Mills (seventh round in 2016), will make the move to safety this season.

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