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#36 CB Quandre Diggs (Texas, 6th round)
Solid corner who was a 4-year starter for the Longhorns. Diggs is very comfortable in a zone scheme with consistent technique and good football awareness. Despite a lack of size (5’9 | 195) Diggs is a big hitter in run support and a good enough blitzer that he was used as a pass rush OLB at times. Diggs has good instincts in coverage, is a plus run defender, and a dangerous blitzer. There is a lot to like about Diggs’ game, but he doesn’t have the short-area quickness or straight-line speed to cover quality NFL receivers. Diggs should be able to contribute as a nickel or dime back at least and on special teams. His lack of height may limit Diggs to a slot corner role, but he has the potential to be a good one. The Lions had solid starters at corner last season, but little to no reliable depth. Adding Diggs and Carter gives them two players who should be at least solid back-ups and have the potential to be starters by the end of their rookie deals.
#43 Isaiah Johnson (Georgia Tech, UDFA)
Had a solid college career and finished as Georgia Tech’s all-time leading tackler. Johnson has good size (6’2 | 205) and coverage instincts, but doesn’t have ideal range. He’s solid against the run with good tackling technique and would probably be better off at strong safety in the pros. Johnson projects as a reserve with upside, but the Lions have good depth at safety so he will have his work cut out for him to make the 53-man roster and will have to make an impact on special teams to stick around.
Next: NFC North Rookie Preview: Detroit Lions (Offense)