NFL Draft: Vikings Meet With Maryland WR Stefon Diggs

Vikings director of college scouting Jamaal Stephenson was one of many NFL people at Thursday’s Maryland pro day, and like a large majority of the those present, he had a particular eye on Terrapins WR Stefon Diggs.

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Tony Pauline reported for Walter Football:

"Receiver Stefon Diggs stood on his 40 number from the combine, but timed 4.11 seconds in the short shuttle, almost two-tenths better than in Indianapolis. He also completed 11 reps on the bench. Feedback from Diggs’ position work has been all positive as the receiver, who measured 6-0 1/4, 191 pounds, ran scissor-sharp routes and caught the ball very well. Over the course of the past two days, Diggs has met with the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers."

The scouting reports on Diggs paint a picture that will be very familiar to anyone who’s followed the Cordarrelle Patterson odyssey (so pretty much every Vikings fan). CBSSports.com notes his lack of polish and poor attitude, and reckons he might struggle to find a role on an NFL team. But:

"Balanced athlete with easy acceleration and strong strides to be a home run threat whenever he touches the ball. Sharp breaks and explodes out of his cuts, mixing his gears well in his movements. Doing his best work on crossers to use his speed, hitting the crease. Creative ballcarrier and looks downfield quickly to make something happen with the ball. Loose athlete with strong cuts to be dangerous in the open field. Keeps his feet well through contact, fighting for every blade of grass. Athletic adjustment ability and ball skills to attack with his hands and not break stride."

NFL.com sees Diggs as a slot receiver in the NFL:

"Doesn’t possess the strength or long speed to make a living as an outside receiver, but he can be an extremely effective weapon from the slot as a pro, turning short third-down throws into first downs. Diggs can make things happen when he has the ball in his hands and could become a consistent, productive weapon for the right offensive coordinator."

Diggs currently projects as a mid-to-late-round pick, which sounds about right for a player who is basically a shorter, slower Cordarrelle Patterson with injury concerns. Forgive me if I don’t sound that excited.

Next: Zimmer Works With Byron Jones (Video)

NFL Draft: Vikings Meet With Maryland WR Stefon Diggs

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