Fadil Diggs is a versatile and athletic edge defender who has demonstrated leadership, resilience, and growth throughout his collegiate career. A three-time team captain (twice at Texas A&M and once at Syracuse), Diggs brings professionalism and a strong work ethic to the field. His final season at Syracuse was his most productive, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses with 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Strengths
- Pass-Rushing Ability: Diggs excels as a pass rusher, displaying an explosive first step and natural instincts to pressure the quarterback. His speed and length allow him to bend around the edge effectively. He has a solid repertoire of moves, including a strong arm-over and two-handed swipe technique, which he used effectively in games like Syracuse’s upset over Miami.
- Athleticism and Burst: Standing at 6’5” with long arms and weighing 261 pounds, Diggs combines size with athleticism. His closing speed is notable, as he can chase down ball carriers from behind or collapse the pocket quickly. His ability to pursue plays from the backside is a standout trait.
- Leadership and Work Ethic: Being named a team captain at two different programs highlights his leadership qualities and the respect he commands in the locker room. He’s known for his professionalism and dedication to improving his craft.
- Versatility: Diggs has experience lining up both on the edge and off the ball, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him. He also contributed on special teams, adding value as a depth player early in his NFL career.
Weaknesses
- Run Defense Consistency: While Diggs shows flashes of solid run defense, he struggles with consistency when teams run directly at him. His anchor against blockers is questionable, as he can get overwhelmed by stronger offensive linemen.
- Tackling Fundamentals: Tackling remains an area of concern for Diggs. He often fails to finish plays despite being in position to make them, which limits his effectiveness as an every-down defender.
- Raw Technique: Although he has natural pass-rushing ability, Diggs needs refinement in his technical skills. He occasionally allows blockers into his chest due to poor hand placement, leading to off-balance reps where he’s neutralized or pancaked.
- Football IQ: Diggs has shown inconsistency in locating the football during plays, which can lead to missed opportunities in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations.
College Career
Fadil Diggs began his college career at Texas A&M, where he played in 33 games over three seasons before transferring to Syracuse for his final year of eligibility. At Texas A&M, he demonstrated steady improvement each year, culminating in an 11-tackle-for-loss season as a junior in 2023.
At Syracuse in 2024, Diggs had a breakout year:
- Games Played: 12
- Tackles: 45 (25 solo)
- Tackles for Loss: 14
- Sacks: 7.5
His signature moments included a game-sealing sack against UNLV in overtime and a dominant performance against Miami that featured multiple pressures and a sack.
NFL Projection
Fadil Diggs projects as a Day 3 draft pick (likely Rounds 4–6) due to his upside as a pass-rush specialist with developmental potential. Teams will value his athleticism and leadership but will need to deploy him strategically while addressing his weaknesses through coaching.
Best Fits:
- Teams with strong defensive infrastructures like the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers could maximize Diggs’ potential by using him in pass-rush packages while developing his run defense.
- His versatility makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for rotational edge defenders who can contribute on special teams early on.
Pro Comparison
Diggs compares favorably to Tavius Robinson (2023 fourth-round pick by Baltimore). Both players share similar physical traits—long frames with athletic upside—but require technical refinement to become consistent contributors at the NFL level.
Conclusion
Fadil Diggs offers intriguing potential as an athletic edge rusher with leadership qualities that NFL teams covet. While he may not be ready for every-down duties immediately, his pass-rushing skills could make him an impactful situational player early in his career. With proper development, he has the tools to grow into a valuable rotational defender capable of making game-changing plays.
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