2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse
| Critical Factors | |||||
| Pass Rush Ability | 1st Step Explosion | POA/Set Edge | |||
| 7 | 7 | 8 | |||
| Positional Factors | |||||
| PR Repertoire | Bend | Hand Use | Play Strength | Range | Flat Coverage |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Motor | FBI | Discipline | Tackling | Toughness | ST Value |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Edge-setting ability | Limited lateral quickness |
| Power and technique | Over-pursues in runs |
| Discipline | production against quick tackles |
Overall
Fadil Diggs is a disciplined and powerful defensive lineman who consistently impacts the game as both a pass rusher and run defender. His size and strength allow him to set the edge effectively, maintaining leverage against blockers and disrupting outside runs. Diggs’s pass rush is marked by strong hand usage and a diverse set of moves, making him a reliable presence in the backfield. While his lack of elite athleticism limits his upside, his high football IQ, motor, and toughness ensure that he will contribute consistently in the trenches. Diggs is a well-rounded player who fits well in schemes requiring disciplined edge play and stout run defense.
Pass Game
Diggs is a capable pass rusher who utilizes his first-step quickness and hand placement to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His repertoire includes bull rushes, rip moves, and occasional spins, allowing him to create pressure even against quality offensive tackles. While his bend around the edge is average, his ability to convert speed to power and finish plays compensates for this limitation. Diggs’s awareness allows him to identify blocking schemes and adjust his rush path accordingly, adding value as a situational pass rusher. Developing more refined counters will enhance his effectiveness in long-developing pass plays.
Run Game
In run defense, Diggs excels with his ability to set the edge and maintain gap discipline. His strength at the point of attack allows him to neutralize blockers and force running plays back inside, where teammates can capitalize. Diggs is a reliable tackler who uses his length to wrap up effectively, though he occasionally struggles against quicker backs in space. His instincts and ability to diagnose plays make him a valuable asset against both inside and outside runs. His consistency in stacking and shedding blockers ensures that he remains effective throughout the game.
Last Word
Diggs is a well-rounded defensive lineman who can contribute immediately as a reliable edge-setter and situational pass rusher. His ability to play with strength and discipline makes him an asset in a variety of defensive schemes. With refinement in counter moves and flexibility, Diggs could elevate his game to a higher level. His high motor and competitive toughness will make him a valuable part of any defensive rotation, especially on early downs and in specific pass-rush situations. Teams looking for a steady and impactful presence on the defensive line will find solid value in Diggs.
One-Liner
Fadil Diggs is a tough, disciplined defensive lineman with reliable edge-setting ability and strong pass-rushing skills.
Grade: 6.5 – Ceiling: 6.7 (20%) Floor: 6.3 (25%) Round: 5
Best Fit Teams:
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ defensive scheme emphasizes edge rushers who can win with power and technique, which matches Diggs’ profile well. His ability to set the edge against the run and convert speed to power in pass-rush situations would give Baltimore immediate production. His discipline and play strength would allow him to contribute in early-down situations while providing pass-rush flexibility in sub-packages. His awareness and ability to adjust mid-play would align well with Baltimore’s defensive demands.
2. New York Giants
The Giants value defensive linemen with length and strength at the point of attack, which makes Diggs an excellent fit. His ability to set the edge and play with leverage would strengthen the Giants’ run defense. His motor and competitive toughness would provide value in pass-rush situations, particularly when working in combination with interior pressure. Diggs’ ability to execute both as a pass rusher and run defender would make him a valuable rotational piece early in his career.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense thrives on physicality and pressure off the edge, which suits Diggs’ playing style. His ability to convert speed to power and his strong hand usage would allow him to contribute as part of Pittsburgh’s pass-rush rotation. Diggs’ edge-setting ability would help bolster the Steelers’ run defense, while his motor and toughness would align well with the team’s defensive identity. His versatility and consistency would make him a valuable piece in a deep defensive line rotation.
Hunter Kirkhope is an experienced sports data analyst with a strong background in scouting and live data collection. He currently works as a Live Data Analyst at Sports Info Solutions (SIS), where he scouts collegiate football athletes and writes detailed scouting reports based on performance analysis. His expertise includes collecting and analyzing real-time data from USFL games and Division I college football programs, including the University of Akron, Ohio State University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Hunter’s work at SIS includes providing valuable insights to optimize team performance and inform strategic decisions using industry-standard tools such as Banjo and Connect Teams. He has demonstrated his analytical skills by tracking live statistics for March Madness 2024 and 2025 games and completing a sports analytics certification course through a mock college football game evaluation.
In addition to his professional experience, Hunter has a strong educational foundation in sports analytics and data science. He is pursuing a degree in Sports Data Analytics and Statistics at the University of Akron, where he has excelled in courses like Programming for Data Science, Survival Analytics, Statistical Data Management, and Advanced Statistical Computing. He has also competed in the 2023 and 2024 Cleveland Cavaliers Hackathons, applying his data analysis skills in a competitive environment.
Hunter’s background includes managing game-day operations and logistics as part of the Akron Facilities Staff, as well as serving as the Head Field Crew Manager for the Twinsburg Baseball League. His experience in coordinating events, managing personnel, and maintaining professional environments reflects his strong leadership and operational skills.
Hunter’s technical proficiency includes working with tools like SAS, SPSS, R, Python, C++, and Matlab, along with a deep understanding of sports data collection and performance analysis. His analytical approach and hands-on experience make him a valuable asset in the field of sports analytics and scouting.