Syracuse Draft Choice Fadil Diggs May Fill A Critical Role For The Saints

Yahoo

10-05-2025

The New Orleans Saints waited seven rounds of the NFL Draft to finally address their need at edge rusher. They did so with the number 254 overall pick late in the seventh round with edge rusher Fadil Diggs out of Syracuse University.
Pass rush production was viewed as a major need for the Saints coming into the offseason. The team produced just 39 sacks last season, with a combined 17 from their edge rushers.
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New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to install a 3-4 base scheme, meaning that the Saints will also need more athleticism on the edge. Here's a closer look at how their second of two seventh-round picks might fit this system.
Edge - Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Fadil Diggs brings down Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Credit: Syracuse University Athletics
A two-way star at Woodrow Wilson High School in New Jersey, Diggs committed originally to Texas A&M. He'd see the field little as a freshman in 2020. Over the next two years, he'd combine for 4 sacks and 8 stops for loss with 3 forced fumbles during the 2022 campaign.
In 2023, Diggs was second on the Aggies with 11 tackles for loss while contributing 4 sacks. After that season, he'd transfer to Syracuse to finish his collegiate career. He had 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss with the Orange last year, leading Syracuse in both categories.
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Too often relying on his speed and athleticism, Diggs must expand his go-to pass rush moves. He'll also need to develop counter moves, an area of weakness when his initial rush is stalled.
Syracuse Orange edge rusher Fadil Diggs (10). Credit: dailyorange.com
Diggs struggled against double teams in college and often got pushed around at the point of attack. This was especially evident against the run, where he'll need to play with both better leverage to be a factor.
An explosive first step and speed around the edge makes Diggs a handful as a pass rusher. Once the ball is in his sights, he shows a formidable closing burst to finish. His agile change-of-direction allows him to slip past heavy-footed blockers.
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Diggs shows good recognition against the run and screen passes. Despite a slightly lean build at 6'4" and 257-Lbs., he has the strength to stack the edge and the hand movement to disengage and get into the play.
Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) makes a tackle on Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Stephen Gosnell (12). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Diggs was mostly used as a rusher and in-the-box defender in college. However, he showed a good feel and nice mobility when asked to drop back into zone coverages.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's scheme requires athletic players on the edge. Diggs will likely be most effective as a stand-up rusher, but also has the versatility to play as a wide down lineman in a four-man front.
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Fadil Diggs isn't necessarily expected to compete for a starting job. However, he could carve out a role as a situational pass rusher for a New Orleans team desperate for more disruption on opposing quarterbacks.
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