The New York Jets came away from the 2024 NFL Draft with seven total picks. They also signed 13 undrafted free agents. They'll take a long, hard look at each of these 20 rookies to put the best team possible on the field for the 2024 season.
The Jets had high aspirations last season until it all came crumbling down quickly, thanks to starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. They hope for a better outcome in the upcoming season, with Rodgers hopefully enjoying a full bill of health.
But the team is more than just about Rodgers, even though many of the moves the team has made over the last couple of seasons have been centered around him. The Jets made some notable moves during this year's draft that were definitely Rodgers-influenced, starting with their first-round pick.
The Jets didn't hesitate to draft Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with their No. 11 overall pick. He'll be part of a revamped offensive line that hopes to keep Rodgers on his feet most of the time. Fashanu was also one of five offensive draft picks New York made.
New York drafted just two defensive players the entire draft. Their first was actually their second fifth-round pick at No. 176, Qwan'tez Stiggers, who, out of over 300 prospects, was never even invited to the NFL's scouting combine.
Qwan'tez Stiggers will be the rookie sleeper pick for the Jets in the 2024 season
If you've never heard the name Qwan'tez Stiggers, don't worry; you're not the only one. Not many had heard of the cornerback until well after the Jets made their pick in the fifth round.
Stiggers is probably the most unique pick out of any from the 2024 NFL Draft. There aren't many players who get drafted by an NFL team without ever having played a snap of collegiate football, yet that's exactly what happened to Stiggers. In fact, he's only the third player in the common draft era dating back to 1967 to be drafted without attending college, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.
Family obligations kept Stiggers, 22, from attending Lane College, a Division II school in Jackson, Tennessee. After taking care of his family, his next venture led him to play for Fan Controlled Football, which is a 7-on-7 indoor football league that involves fans calling plays through their cell phones.
That eventually led him to the CFL to play for the Toronto Argonauts, where he quickly became a contributing member of the team's 2023 roster and a standout in the league.
In 16 games for the Argonauts last season, Stiggers recorded 56 tackles and five interceptions, which helped him win the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie award. He was the first defensive back in the league to accomplish such a feat in 25 years. He was also named to the CFL East All-Star team.
Due to Stiggers not playing college football, he was unable to be signed as a free agent by what was a number of NFL teams hoping to ink a deal him after his impressive first season in Canada. That led to the Jets grabbing him up in the fifth round this years NFL Draft.
There's no doubt that with the little experience Stiggers has, he is a project draft pick for the Jets. But he's surprised everybody up to this point in his young career with his impressive play and overcoming the odds stacked against him. Perhaps the biggest challenge Stiggers will face is overcoming a loaded cornerback room in New York that's led by All-Pro Sauce Gardner. But don't be surprised if this unique rookie makes an impact for the Jets in 2024.
Follow Us
Subscribe
