In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected a former Wide Receiver turned Cornerback named Trevon Diggs. During his college days at Alabama, Trevon was that do it all guy. During his Freshman season in 2016, he played Safety, Wide Receiver and was a contributor on Special Teams. By the start of his Sophomore season, Trevon made the full-time switch to Defensive Back. Since coming into the league, he’s been one of those pieces that the Cowboys have groomed into a starter. He was drafted by them and the Cowboys defense over these years has been a homegrown unit. Today, news broke that the star Cornerback had injured his knee during practice. When I heard he was on crutches, I immediately said to myself, “I hope he didn’t tear anything”. Unfortunately, I was wrong. He did indeed tear his ACL and his season is done for just after two games.
Whenever you play for the Dallas Cowboys, you’re held in somewhat of a higher regard and if you don’t perform well, the media will get you. Trevon has developed into one of the best young defensive backs in the league today. He’s able to stick with every receiver he covers because he almost knows what they will run before the ball is snapped and he uses his receiver background so, it’s safe to say he knows what the route is going to be, then he attacks the football. I can sit here and say having that Wide Receiver experience has strengthened him as a corner. I’ve always said he has that offensive mindset as a defender because his responsibility is simple. See the football and make a play upon the football. I’ll never understand why teams would elect to throw in his direction, especially when he’s known as an interception machine. His 2021 season was a memorable one. Anytime that ball was thrown in his vicinity that season, he was taking it away and setting the Cowboys offense up in prime position. What’s always made Trevon stand out is the ability to read routes combinations and the ball skills he’s put on display. As a Quarterback throwing the football late or off target, it hits the hands of number 7. I’ve always said Trevon isn’t your typical corner because he isn’t the guy that presses up on the receivers at the line. This is a corner that knows when to jump routes when the opportunity presents itself. His quickness is another thing many don’t break down about him. He has very choppy feet and the speed to stick with each receiver he covers.
This is an absolute huge blow to a Dallas defense that’s one of the three best units in the league. Although it was only two games, I liked the approach he was playing with because he was cutting down on the risks he took the last two years prior to this season. Now, he was beginning to look more and more like the shutdown corner people were hoping he could be. I also saw the influence Stephon Gilmore was having on Trevon as well. I wish him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him back on the field next year.
