Titans Draft Profile: Alabama Cornerback Trevon Diggs
Logan Ryan’s return to the Tennessee Titans does not seem imminent, so how can they replace him if that’s the case? Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs could step into his shoes nicely alongside Malcolm Butler and A’doree Jackson. Diggs has some of the best ball skills of any secondary player in this year’s NFL Draft. As a […]
Logan Ryan’s return to the Tennessee Titans does not seem imminent, so how can they replace him if that’s the case? Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs could step into his shoes nicely alongside Malcolm Butler and A’doree Jackson.
Diggs has some of the best ball skills of any secondary player in this year’s NFL Draft. As a former receiver, he plays the ball well in the air and also understands zone spacing.
Projecting as a possible top option at corner, Diggs' athletic traits could really excite Jon Robinson and the Titans coaching staff. His raw abilities give Diggs a floor as an average CB2 in most secondaries as well. After the technical improvements that Adoree' Jackson has made in his time with Tennessee, Diggs could see the same growth in their system.
At 6’2, Diggs’ size allows him to make up space much easier than most other corners playing on the outside or in the slot. His combine numbers were impressive, including being in the 90th percentile in arm length with 32¾ inch arms.
He is very talented in zone coverage with his impressive mobility for his size and his quick hips. His physical profile helps him fight taller targets at the catch point and also allows him to be quick enough off the line to stay with speedy receivers.
Diggs easily had his most productive season in 2019. 37 total tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defensed showed up for the Crimson Tide. According to PFF, he allowed 22 catches or less in all four seasons he played at Alabama.
Some of his best plays on film are when he gets his hands on the receivers early in the route and mirrors them on downfield throws. His athleticism and acceleration shine on these plays.
While primarily a zone corner, Diggs also has experience in man coverage including press-man coverage. Speaking of that, PFF ranked him as the fifth ranked corner in the country in Cover 0 and Cover 1 over the past two seasons. This means he is used to being on an island with his receiver and has performed well in that role.
Trevon may be gleaming with transitional upside, but there are some tweaks that still have to be made to his game. His tackling, in run support especially, can be a bit inconsistent, and his feet don’t always react as fast as his instincts do. Back shoulder throws have also caused him some issues in coverage towards the sideline.
His growth at the college level has been impressive though, and NFL coaching could really take him to the next level.
Diggs is also the younger brother of newly acquired Bills wide receiver, Stefon Diggs. Trevon credits Stefon for being a big motivator for him and for teaching him important aspects of the game. He has discussed on many occasions how Stefon has played a big role in his life and football career, including at the NFL Combine.
Other teams targeting Diggs could include Dallas at 17, Oakland at 19, and Seattle at 27. Although, with other physical corners like Jeff Gladney, Kristian Fulton, A.J. Terrell, and C.J. Henderson in this class, Trevon could certainly make it to the Titans at 29.
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry, who got a 3-year 45 million-dollar contract this offseason, is an intriguing comparison for Diggs. Bradberry took a little bit to get acquainted in the NFL but has become a very solid zone coverage corner with improved man coverage abilities. He was playing the best football of his NFL career for Carolina before signing with the Giants during free agency.
At pick 29, the Alabama product could be a serious option for the Titans. Diggs would she a great piece to add to A’doree Jackson and Malcolm Butler in the secondary as well as Logan Ryan if he does return.
So, can you Digg it?
Featured image via Patrick Conn – USA Today Sports
