Feb. 19, 2026, 4:55 a.m. CT
A strong 2025 draft class for the New Orleans Saints could help the team build quickly into a contender. Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and quarterback Tyler Shough are potential superstars on the offensive side, with running back Devin Neal looking like a solid contributor. Defensively, defensive backs Quincy Riley, Jonas Sanker, and linebacker Danny Stutsman filled key roles for a strong unit.
Defensive tackle Vernon Broughton was one draft choice that made little impact, having his year ended after just one game due to injury. Another rookie that slipped under the radar of a good draft class was the final pick that New Orleans selected.
Fadil Diggs Year in ReviewPosition: Defensive endAge: 24Height: 6-feet, 4 inchesWeight: 257 poundsNFL experience: 1 year (with Saints)2025 season: 5 games
New Orleans selected Diggs with a seventh round choice, the 254th pick in a draft of 257 selections. Diggs began his college career with the Texas A&M Aggies. In his last three seasons there he’d have 8 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He’d complete his collegiate career with the Syracuse Orange, where he had a breakout year with 14 stops for loss and 7.5 sacks.
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Diggs had a solid preseason and training camp, but was initially bypassed for veterans in the roster decisions. The Saints still immediately brought him back to the practice squad and elevated him for action in the regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Most of the season, Diggs bounced between the practice squad and active roster. He’d appear in five games, getting a total of 54 defensive snaps and another 41 snaps on special teams. Despite very limited action, Diggs saw reps as mostly a stand-up pass rusher. He’d get double-digit defensive snaps in two contests, getting 23 against the Seahawks and 13 against the Bills. Diggs did not register an official tackle on either defense or special teams.
An explosive pass rusher off the edge in college, Fadil Diggs will likely need to show increased production for the Saints to make the team in 2026. It’s an area of opportunity for Diggs, as New Orleans is hoping for increased depth and production along the edge. That need may also result in a high draft pick, increasing the competition and the odds for Diggs.