Stefon Diggs might be new to the Texans, but he’s used to appearing on the NFL’s Top 100 List after a dominant campaign.
However, the four-time Pro Bowler’s long-standing spot at the top took a significant dip heading into the 2024 season.
Diggs appeared during Thursday night’s reveal at No. 56 overall, 40 spots lower than his No. 16 ranking in 2023. He’s the third Texans player to make the list, joining defensive end Danielle Hunter (No. 68) and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (No. 71).
Last season was a wild card year for Josh Allen’s top target en route to another AFC East division. Initially, Diggs was on pace to break his 2020 record in receptions after hauling in 49 passes for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
56. Stefon Diggs#NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/6ways3wrBJ
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2024
Things turned south after Buffalo elected to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and promote Joe Brady. The personnel packages changed, thus affecting Diggs’ overall production. Over the final eight games, Diggs never totaled more than seven catches for less than 100 yards. He found the end zone once following the team’s bye week.
Despite a lack of production down the stretch, Diggs still managed to extend his 1,000-yard receiving streak to six seasons while also ranking top-10 in both catches and touchdowns.
When healthy, few pass-catchers have been as consistent as Diggs, whom the Texans added in the offseason in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick acquired in a trade with the Vikings.
During his four seasons with the Bills, Diggs posted at least 103 catches per season, including a league-leading 127 receptions in 2020.
“He’s somebody who loves the game and doesn’t cheat it and that’s why he’s been successful and I think he’ll continue that success,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said earlier this month.
Our guys in the top
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— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 26, 2024
The Texans hope that Diggs won’t only match his season total from 2023 but also serve as a veteran in the locker room. So far, players and coaches both have praised not only his attitude but also his eagerness to help younger players like Tank Dell, John Metchie III and cornerback Derek Stingely Jr. improve.
“He wants to help teach young guys,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “He wants to be a leader.”
Diggs’ appearance shouldn’t be the last for the Texans in the top 100. Stroud, who became the fifth rookie in leauge history to throw for over 4,000 yards in their first season, should appear within the top 50.
Keep an eye out for Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., too, though he might be a long shot after finishing with only seven sacks.