The NFL Draft is a moment when clubs and fans are both captivated by incredible stories. Aidan Hutchinson was drafted by the team he grew up admiring. Josh Paschal survived cancer to return to football at the University of Kentucky. Could Qwan’tez Stiggers, a prospect with no collegiate experience, be the next to take the spotlight in Detroit? The Toronto Argonauts cornerback is by far the most intriguing talent in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, but will his name be called—and when?
How can a CFL player become eligible for the NFL draft?
Qwan’tez Stiggers plays for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, which alone makes him one of the most interesting prospects in recent memory. Typically, the CFL consists of athletes who have already been regarded draft eligible. When a player moves from Canada to the United States, as former BC Lion and current Detroit Lions edge defender Mathieu Betts did, he becomes a free agent and signs with an NFL franchise. Their draft rights were already invoked once they finished school.
Stiggers, on the other hand, is a rare CFL player who is eligible for the NFL Draft. He did not play in college owing to his father’s death before resuming his football career with the Fan Controlled Football League and then the CFL. Because his draft eligibility clock had never started, an NFL team might select him in 2024. Stiggers is only 22 years old, which is similar to the age of most candidates entering the draft. The Argonauts still have him under contract, but they will almost definitely release him to pursue an NFL opportunity. Interestingly, he would not be the first Toronto Argonaut to be drafted in NFL history; back in 1991, the Argos signed predicted first-overall pick Rocket Ismail to a lucrative contract.
As a result, the receiver fell to the fourth round in the draft. A different scenario, but an entertaining footnote anyway. What makes Stiggers unique on the field? The narrative of Stiggers will be the talk of the draft, but his play is not to be dismissed. Stiggers, although having no professional experience, was a perfect fit in 2023. The five interceptions are the centerpiece of his stat sheet, and his ballhawking abilities should translate to the NFL.