In 2020, Trevon Diggs became another one of the many defensive backs to be drafted from Alabama, joining the likes of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dee Milliner, and Marlon Humphrey, among several others. He wasn't always set to be a nightmare for offensive coordinators, though.
Diggs was originally recruited as a wide receiver out of high school, wanting to follow in the path of his older brother, Stefon. However, when Alabama faced a depth issue in the secondary, Nick Saban approached Diggs about trying out the secondary.
"I was hurt at first," Diggs said in 2021. "I called my brother, I was crying. He's not someone that'll be like 'Oh, it's OK.' He was like, 'Nah, come on. Let's go. We got to go to work.' He's one of those types. And that's exactly what I did."
Diggs continued to work in the secondary, earning first-team All-American honors, first-team All-SEC honors and was named to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List in 2019. He was then drafted with the 51st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
Now, Diggs cashes in thanks to the work he's put in since his time at Alabama — signing a five-year, $97 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys.
In three years in the league, Diggs has recorded 17 interceptions, 49 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 169 total tackles and two touchdowns. Diggs is rated as the No. 8 cornerback heading into 2023, according to ESPN's poll of league execs, players and coaches. His contract ties him with New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore as the fifth-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Diggs was also named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro in 2021 — he had 11 picks that season.
Diggs has stepped out of the shadow of his older brother, Stefon, by making a name for himself at his own position in the NFL. The Diggs brothers will have a chance to line up against each other for the first time in the regular season on Dec. 13, when the Cowboys will travel to face the Bills in Orchard Park.
See Also:
2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Defensive Line
Alabama Basketball Set to Play Liberty in 2023 C.M. Newton Classic
Nick Saban Utilizing Both the Familiar and New to Fill Coordinator Spots
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