Who is Diego Fagot? Ravens sign former Navy linebacker for 2022 NFL season
The NFL has seen the linebacker position evolve from big, bulky players that could only stop the run to elusive athletes that can now roam the field with tight ends and, in some cases, wide receivers (see Micah Parsons as a reference).
The Baltimore Ravens have a similar athlete in the same position out of the Navy, and his name is Diego Fagot. On Monday, Baltimore announced that they were signing the former Midshipman.
Ravens announced they signed former Navy linebacker Diego Fagot, who now gets to stay in the area.
The decision to sign Fagot came just a day after the Naval Academy granted permission to the linebacker and three other athletes to forge ahead and pursue a job in professional sports.
Typically, an immediate five-year military commitment must be made right out of the academy, but the Navy has made an exception for Fagot and three others.
Diego Fagot spoke to the Capital Gazette's Bill Wagner about his opportunity to play in the NFL and for the Baltimore Ravens:
“I am excited to get this opportunity to continue playing the sport I love. Thank you to the Superintendent, Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of Defense for making it happen. I can’t wait to continue Navy football’s legacy in the NFL.”
Fagot was a force for the Navy football team. Despite their 4-8 record, he registered 282 tackles (35.5 for a loss), 9.5 sacks, two interceptions, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Who will be the NFL's best linebacker in 2022?
The NFL has been blessed to be in an era where some of the best athletes on a football field reside at the linebacker position. In a league that encourages athletes to play at every position, which player is poised to be considered the best for next season?
There are a lot of suspects in answer to this proverbial mystery. Despite being a rookie last season, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was an absolute terror for opposing defenses.
Highest graded Linebacker (88.2)
Micah Parsons had a SPECIAL rookie season⭐️
🔹 Highest graded Linebacker (88.2)
🔹 Highest graded pass rusher (93.0)
🔹 Highest pass rush win rate ever for a rookie (26%) https://t.co/A8MYHEaMyH
The NFL's 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year was named as a first-team All-Pro player after registering 13 sacks, good for second all-time for a rookie.
He played at the typical offensive linebacker position but also rushed on the defensive line after DeMarcus Lawrence suffered an injury last season.
Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts is another candidate to be the best linebacker in 2022. Leonard, drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has been a revelation out of South Carolina State University.
He was the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been an All-Pro each year that he has played in the league. He led the league in forced fumbles in 2021 and was the leader in tackles in 2018.
But if the past indicates the future, then the answer may lie in Pittsburgh with T.J. Watt, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Steelers found a gem in the 2017 draft pick out of Wisconsin.
Watt was a finalist for the DPOY award in 2019 and 2020. He made good on that potential in 2021 by winning the award. He is now tied with Hall of Fame defensive lineman Michael Strahan as the holders of the single-season all-time sack record with 22.5.
Watt accomplished this feat despite missing two games in 2021.
The league is in for a treat next season as the next wave of linebackers will take the stage. Who knows what type of immediate impact they will have on their teams and the league?