During the pre-draft visit, Brad Holmes will be assessing the reigning CFL Most Outstanding rookie, Qwan’tez Stiggers.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions have already ventured into the CFL market by securing a free agent contract for Mathieu Betts, the current Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson now reports that general manager Brad Holmes will host Qwan’tez Stiggers, the league’s reigning Most Outstanding Rookie, for a pre-Draft Top-30 visit.
The cornerback Stiggers is not participating in any college football games, choosing instead to pursue an unusual path to professional football. He was scheduled to enroll in Tennessee’s Lane College, however he withdrew after his father passed away in 2020.
After choosing not to play in college, he started working as a Door Dash driver before starting a career in the Fan Controlled Football League. He later signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL after thinking about playing in the XFL as well. He became a standout player with the Argonauts, recording 53 defensive tackles and five interceptions in the 2023 season, which earned him an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
His performances at the Shrine Bowl created excitement about his NFL prospects. Stiggers was thought to be among the event’s best performers. The NFL Combine is starting on Tuesday, but he did not receive an invitation.
The Lions are reportedly looking for cornerback support after 2023 proved to be a difficult year for their choices there. Deshea Townsend, a two-time Super Bowl player, was also hired by Detroit as the new coordinator of the defensive passing game and coach of the cornerbacks.
The NFL Draft will take place in Detroit from April 25–27.
