Toronto Argonauts’ defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers has been selected by the New York Jets with the 176th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 22-year-old is the first player drafted directly from the CFL since Argos defensive tackle Jermaine Haley, who was taken in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He is just the fourth player in the common era to be drafted into the NFL with no collegiate experience.
Stiggers did not attend college due to the sudden death of his father and began his career in the Fan Controlled Football League, before making his way to the CFL last season. He was first able to declare for the NFL Draft in 2024 by virtue of being three years removed from high school.
The Georgia native earned a starting role at boundary cornerback for the Argonauts in 2023 and played 15 games, recording 53 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and five interceptions. He was named an East Division all-star and became the first defensive back to be named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie since 1998.
Following his award-winning campaign, Stiggers attended the East-West Shrine Bowl all-star game, where he impressed scouts and onlookers. The performance triggered significant NFL interest and 29 teams showed up to witness his personal pro day in Atlanta in March. He later travelled to see 13 NFL teams for official Top 30 visits.
The five-foot-11 and 204-pound cover man posted a 36.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, eight-inch broad jump at the event, while running 4.47 in the forty-yard dash. He also recorded a 4.25 short shuttle and 7.20 three-cone on a wet field.
Stiggers technically remains under contract with Toronto for next season, though sources have indicated that the team plans to release him to pursue his NFL opportunity.
