Breaking down PFF’s three bold takes for the Cowboys’ 2022 season

3. “Trevon Diggs records fewer than half the interceptions but a better PFF grade than last year.”

Trevon Diggs had a breakout year last year. He led the league with 11 interceptions and was praised for his ballhawk abilities. However, many analysts pointed out that Diggs was a high-risk, high-reward player. In trying to get as many interceptions as possible, he did give up a lot of coverage yards.

Because of that, the cornerback had a dismal PFF grade. As we said, PFF takes into account far more than stats when looking at how well a person is doing in their given position.

"Diggs was one of the NFL’s most polarizing players last season because he led the league in interceptions (11) and total yards given up in coverage (1,016). Diggs earned a 66.7 PFF coverage grade despite the interception figure due, in part, to how some of those interceptions arrived but also because of the bad play between them. This season, his turnover total will likely tumble and could easily be cut in half. Even if it does, he will likely be a better player overall and could see his PFF grade improve if he cuts down the miscues. Diggs gave up a massive 18.5 yards per reception last year, the highest figure in the league. Jalen Ramsey gave up 10.1 yards per catch, and A.J. Terrell finished at 6.9. Diggs won’t have the hype this year absent of the gaudy interception total, but he’ll be a better player."

But the 23-year-old is well aware of his stats. At the start of training camp, he told reporters that his goal for 2022 is to “be a more complete corner, a shutdown corner.”

To me, this hot take feels the most plausible. Diggs knows he can’t just let people blow past him in coverage. Plus, quarterbacks know to look out for Diggs, and the Cowboys are facing many teams with multiple receiving threats in 2022. The third-year corner can’t cover everyone, and quarterbacks will try to avoid him at all costs.

I think most people believe Diggs will have less than 11 interceptions, but there is certainly nothing wrong with eight picks and far fewer coverage yards given up. A “shutdown corner” is exactly what this defense needs from the cornerback. I say this hot take is the most likely to come true of all three. Let us know your thoughts.