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.
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