Quandre Diggs providing Lions with literal bang for their buck in Matt Patricia’s defense

In this edition of our 2018 roster review, we take a look at Quandre Diggs and how his 2018 performance projects to the future.

Quandre Diggs

Outlook before 2018:

Quandre Diggs entered 2018 looking for his first whole season playing safety. After injuries decimated the Lions’ safety rotation in the 2017 campaign, Diggs was forced to switch over from nickel corner to strong safety and he flourished in the limited role.

There was concern Diggs would experience a sophomore slump at the position, especially while learning a new scheme, but apparently Diggs didn’t get the memo.

Actual role in 2018:

2018 Stats: 16 games, 78 tackles (64 solo), three interceptions, eight passes defended.
PFF Grade: 72.7 (#30 among safeties)

Diggs thrived in his new role, and Patricia’s creativity with safety use made the most of Diggs’ skillset. We saw Diggs stuff the box, cover deep, and take on men both smaller and bigger than him without hesitation. Most entertaining of all, we got another season’s worth of tape on Diggs thumping receivers and running backs who dared to venture into his domain.

It should also be noted that thanks to Diggs, the Lions’ first and last defensive possessions of the season ended in interceptions.

Outlook for 2019:

Contract Status: Under Contract

It’s clear that Diggs and the Lions are in a mutually beneficial relationship. Matt Patricia and Paul Pasqualoni have taken full advantage of Diggs’ abilities to put him in a position to succeed, and the Lions are getting their money’s worth after signing Diggs to a three year, $20.4 million extension in September. The man provides the Lions with a literal bang for their buck.

With a year of the new scheme under his belt, look for Diggs to see continued success heading into the 2019 season.