Vikings rookie evaluations: WR Stefon Diggs

Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner received another versatile wide receiver in the draft when the team selected Stefon Diggs in the fifth round. He was used as an outside receiver, slot receiver and even at running back in certain option packages on offense at Maryland. Diggs was also a solid kickoff returner.

Listed at six feet and 195 pounds, Diggs was voted as a second-team All-Big Ten receiver by the coaches last season. He opted to forgo his senior season to declare for NFL Draft despite a deep draft at wide receiver.

The addition of Diggs will make the position very interesting to watch in training camp with six receivers capable of making the roster. What exactly will the Vikings get from their new weapon?

Strengths:

Mike Wallace. Charles Johnson. Cordarrelle Patterson. Jarius Wright. There's already a lot of speed at wide receiver, and the Vikings brought in more with Diggs. It's not that he can just fly down the field, but his biggest strength is how quickly he can change direction and accelerate. It's like that kid in the backyard that would always try and fake someone out to get more yards, except it actually works with Diggs and he doesn't look stupid doing those stutter steps or head jabs against much better competition.

Diggs consistently gained yards after the catch in college because he was quick and moved so well laterally. Per Football Focus, Diggs led all wide receivers in this class with 9.3 yards after catch against Power 5 teams.

Diggs has great hands and rarely dropped passes despite terrible quarterback play. That's mainly due to his big hands, measured at 10 inches at the NFL Combine, and coordination.

Diggs didn't finish the last two seasons due to injuries. He broke his right fibula in 2013 and suffered a lacerated kidney injury last year. Durability is a huge concern with Diggs, especially given his thin frame.

Diggs needs to get stronger to handle press situations against NFL cornerbacks. That will be the biggest thing I'll watch with Diggs once the Vikings strap up in shoulder pads. At this point, I don't think he's capable of playing outside receiver consistently though he was effective at the position in college.

Diggs was also a pretty average blocker as well. Maybe that's due to his build and lack of strength as well, but he struggled to maintain his blocks regardless of the situation.

Bottom Line:

It's clear with the pick that the Vikings value speed and versatility at wide receiver. They didn't give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater enough weapons to stretch the field effectively last year. Now, Bridgewater has five wide receivers capable of streaking down the field at any point in the game.