Prospect Profiles: Stefon Diggs
Now more than ever, it is painfully clear that the Cleveland Browns are severely lacking when it comes to wide receiver talent. The rumors surrounding Josh Gordon and his 1-year suspension for consuming alcohol make it distinct that the Browns can’t afford to let the wide receiver get any worse. Andrew Hawkins is a good player, he could be one of the very best slots in the NFL, but he can’t be a team’s number 1 target. Myles Austin was washed up 3 years ago and finished the 2014 season with only 47 receptions
Ray Farmer has said in the past that he doesn’t believe that wide receivers are what make a team, so it isn’t likely that the Browns will select a high profile player in the first round. If Farmer didn’t want Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, or Odell Beckham, what makes you think he is going to snag Jaelen Strong or Kevin White? It is most likely that the Browns won’t select a wide receiver until the later rounds, which means it’s time to unearth some sleepers. My favorite sleeper in the draft? Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Diggs came out of high school as one of the most highly rated prospects in the country. Once slated to become a Florida Gator, Diggs instead decided to ultimately play for his hometown school of Maryland. As a freshman, Diggs was instantly the best player on offense for the Terrapins. Diggs finished the year with 54 catches and 848 yards. Those may not be the flashiest of stats, but Maryland had so many quarterback injuries, they ended up employing a backup freshmen linebacker to run the offense. Diggs started out 2013 on a very hot start, posting 34 receptions to go along with 587 yards receiving before breaking his right tibia. It was more of the same for Diggs in 2014, starting out the season red-hot, posting at least 5 catches in every game except one before his season was ended by a lacerated kidney. Diggs also has return capabilities, taking back 2 kicks for scores as a freshman.
Diggs makes his money because he is an unbelievable athlete who has speed to burn. He is fast in and out of his cuts and is able to run with the ball after the catch. Diggs is very versatile as he can line up on the outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield, similar to how Green Bay used Randall Cobb. While Diggs is a great athlete, he lacks strength and has a slight build. He doesn’t seem interested in blocking and may not have the ability to block. Diggs also is very injury prone, with the broken tibia and kidney issues plaguing him. Diggs may have saw his stock rise if he returned for his senior season, but it is clear that he was afraid of injuring himself again.
Diggs is an interesting prospect who truly provides number one upside, but will fall to the later rounds. It is possible that the Browns select Diggs in 4th round with one of their two picks if he is still there. Diggs is a great athlete and it is very possible that he runs a blazing time at the combine and his stock soars.
Player Comparison: Kendall Wright/Randall Cobb
Round Prediction: 3rd-5th
In the meantime; here are some Stefon Diggs highlights for you to enjoy.
