New York Jets solidify long-term cornerback pipeline in fifth round of the draft
Going into the draft, the cornerback position was an underrated long-term need for the New York Jets, as D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II are both due to become free agents after the 2024 season. It seemed like an ideal Day 3 target, and they’ve done just that, using a fifth-round selection on the position.
With the 176th overall pick, the Jets drafted cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. It is the final pick of the fifth round.
A dream comes true for @qwanb5stiggers 🙌
Let's go, Qwan'tez!!
📰 https://t.co/yP3yoX4ocn pic.twitter.com/Oozrkq1Z2q
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 27, 2024
A zero-star recruit out of high school, Stiggers began his college career at Division II Lane College before returning home. He did not play football in 2021.
Stiggers tried out for Fan Controlled Football in 2022, a live-streaming indoor league. The youngest player in the league, his performance caught the attention of the CFL, leading to a tryout that landed him on the Toronto Argonauts. In 2023, his lone season in the CFL, Stiggers recorded 53 tackles and five interceptions, being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie. He was also selected to attend the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl.
A raw prospect with excellent tools and ball skills, Stiggers enters an ideal situation to develop his game. In New York, he will have the luxury of learning from arguably the best cornerback trio in the league, playing behind Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II.
The Jets’ future at cornerback is uncertain beyond 2024, as Reed and Carter II will hit free agency in 2025. Adding youth to the room is a smart move for the Jets, preparing them for potential losses in the future.
