Fadil Diggs, once a dominant force on Syracuse's defensive line, has officially taken his talents to the NFL. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 254th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Diggs' journey is the story of hard work, leadership, and making every opportunity count.

Rising Star at Syracuse

After transferring from Texas A&M, Fadil Diggs immediately became a cornerstone for the Syracuse football program. Playing as team captain, he started all 12 games in his senior season. Diggs led the Orange with an impressive 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, anchoring a defense that often relied on his playmaking abilities. In the 2024 season opener, he notched a career-high eight tackles, four for loss, and two sacks, setting the tone for a stellar final college campaign.

This impact did not go unnoticed. His leadership and consistent performances earned him Honorable Mention All-ACC honors and cemented his reputation as one of the ACC's most disruptive edge rushers. For more details on his college journey and stats, visit Syracuse.com’s comprehensive draft coverage.

NFL Draft Combine Performance

Diggs showcased his athleticism at the 2025 NFL Combine, further boosting his draft stock. He clocked a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, the fastest among his position group at that time. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 257 pounds, his combination of size and speed made NFL scouts take notice.

His performance earned him a Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 77, ranking ninth among defensive end and edge prospects in this class. The New Orleans Saints' scouting report praised Diggs for his versatility, allowing him to fit multiple defensive schemes. For a breakdown of his combine results and scouting assessment, check out the official New Orleans Saints draft pick profile.

Joining the New Orleans Saints

When the Saints called his name in the seventh round, Fadil Diggs became the latest Syracuse player to reach the NFL. His selection marked the school’s fourth pick in the 2025 draft, the most for Syracuse since 2006. Diggs joins a Saints defense that values speed on the edge and leadership in the locker room. His college experience as a three-time captain and his proven production bode well for his professional transition.

The Saints' coaching staff highlighted that Diggs has raw physical traits and is well-positioned to contribute both as a pass rusher and run defender. While experts note that he will need time to adjust to NFL-level offensive linemen, his upside and work ethic make him an exciting addition to the roster. Read more about his draft-day arrival and what it means for the Saints on NOLA.com’s draft recap.

College Legacy and Next Steps

Over his college career at both Texas A&M and Syracuse, Fadil Diggs totaled 120 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks. He added four forced fumbles and even blocked a kick, demonstrating a knack for impact plays. His leadership and proven production set a strong foundation as he enters the NFL.

As Fadil Diggs embarks on his pro football journey, all eyes will be on his adaptability and growth with the New Orleans Saints. Fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing how his collegiate dominance translates to the next level.

Want more in-depth draft analysis and exclusive photos? See the Saints’ official photo gallery and draft news for a closer look at their newest defensive end.