By Ross Jackson
Typically, when discussing seventh-round draft picks, it’s best to keep expectations to a minimum.
While legendary players like running back Bo Jackson and tight end Shannon Sharpe give reason to believe in exceptions, the norm can’t be ignored. In most instances, seventh-round picks only go so far and oftentimes don’t make rosters.
However, the New Orleans Saints may have grabbed one of the exceptions. Not on the same level as legends like Jackson and Sharpe, though. Perhaps not even on the same level as a franchise legend such as wide receiver Marques Colston, who was selected in the seventh-round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
But this year, edge rusher Fadil Diggs, taken by the Saints at No. 254 overall, is a rare seventh-rounder to watch as a candidate to surprise and earn a roster spot.
Diggs Has Both Production and Potential
Diggs isn’t just a prospect with potential based on his prototypical size (6-foot-4 and 257 pounds), reach and speed (4.57 second 40-yard-dash), the likes of which the Saints have seen come and go in the recent past.
4.57u from Fadil Diggs! @fadil_diggs
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wFOmenZcSW— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025
Unlike those players, Diggs also has an impressive amount of production to boot.
His 15.5 career sacks and 32.5 career tackles for a loss and experience as a two-time team captain prove that he can get it done in the field and not just at the Combine.
With the changing landscape of pass rushers in New Orleans, Diggs has a real chance to prove he can be another standup rusher option off the edge as the Saints look to morph their roster to their new scheme. Diggs joins as a ready-made fit for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system, handpicked by Staley and his staff.
A look at Syracuse Edge Fadil Diggs 💪#SaintsDraft pic.twitter.com/qXlObwGQke
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 27, 2025
Diggs Has An Underrated Advantage
Beyond his undeniably impressive combination of size, speed and production, Diggs has been coached by one of the best defensive line developers throughout his collegiate career: Elijah Robinson.
Robinson has coached drafted linemen like Kingsley Keke, Nnamdi Madubuike, DeMarvin Leal and more. He’s been an expert developer and has been noted as one of college football’s best recruiters.
Diggs now carries that coaching with him to New Orleans to work with coaches like Staley, edges coach Jay Rodgers and defensive line coach Bo Davis: another one of football’s best.
Diggs, like undrafted free agent rookie Jasheen Davis, checks a ton of boxes that the Saints should be looking to take advantage of as soon as possible. Because of that, he’s worth keeping a close eye on during training camp. If he can impress off the edge, there could be snaps available to him as early as his rookie season.
