The Buffalo Bills know they roster one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Stefon Diggs.
Now his peers have confirmed that.
Leading up to training camp, ESPN polled people from around the league. Surveying more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players, the former world-wide leader helped us name the 10 best at each spot on the field according to those in the game.
That poll ended up slotting Diggs in at the No. 6 spot overall in terms of receivers.
While not in the top five, the sixth hole is very impressive and a spot Diggs is worthy of. In 2021, Diggs hauled in 103 catches for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns. The year prior, his first in Buffalo saw Diggs earn first-team All-Pro honors.
Additionally, Diggs might’ve seen his average grade place him in the No. 6 slot–but his highest mark he received was No. 1. There are some in the NFL that think sixth is too low for Diggs, just like Buffalo probably does as well.
Here’s what ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler gathered on Diggs after chatting about him with those in the league:
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 3The Bills’ trade for Diggs two years ago turned into one of the best moves of the past decade. In Buffalo, Diggs has transformed from fringe top-10 receiver to unquestionable star, entering last year’s rankings at No. 3.
“So much of Josh Allen’s rise has to do with the fact he can throw Diggs the ball,” an NFL offensive coach said. “Makes life so much easier.”
Diggs’ numbers dipped slightly in 2021, but his 103 catches for 1,225 yards on 164 targets were all still in the top eight for WRs. (He produced 127 catches and 1,535 yards on roughly the same target share in 2020.) And he proved lethal in the end zone this past year with 10 touchdowns, his first time cracking double-digits for a season. Diggs’ production earned him a four-year, $96 million extension this offseason.
“If we’re talking about beating a corner, winning one-on-one coverage, I don’t know if there’s anybody better,” a separate NFL offensive coach said. “That’s his defining trait. He can break you down.”
One knock on Diggs, from an AFC scout: “Can struggle a bit with high-end corners who press him at the line. Doesn’t have the elite speed to leave those corners.”
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