The Washington Commanders need help at cornerback. With nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft, Washington is equipped to add depth at multiple positions in next week’s draft.
Last season, the Commanders selected Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. Forbes struggled as a rookie and was benched.
In addition to Forbes’ struggles, third-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste regressed after a promising second season in 2022.
The good news for Washington is it has a new coaching staff known for getting the most out of its defensive backs. That’s good news for returning players such as Forbes, St-Juste, and potential newcomers.
The Commanders signed multiple cornerbacks in free agency. However, none were signed to big contracts and will compete for a roster spot this summer. In the draft, cornerback is expected to be one of the positions Washington focuses on.
The Commanders will likely target quarterback, offensive line, and edge rushers early. But with six picks in the first three rounds, a cornerback could be a priority on day two.
One cornerback to watch is CFL star Qwan’tez Stiggers. Stiggers, 22, was the CFL rookie of the year in 2023 with the Toronto Argonauts. In 16 games with the Argonauts, Stiggers recorded 53 tackles and five interceptions and was chosen to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Stiggers has a unique story. He played three sports at The B.E.S.T Academy High School in Atlanta and enrolled in Lane College in Tennessee. However, his father’s death left him depressed, and he dropped out of college. His mother encouraged him to try out for an indoor football league called Fan Controlled Football. It was there that he caught the attention of a former Toronto coach, which led him to the Canadian Football League.
After a terrific season in the CFL, Stiggers shined in the NFL’s pre-draft circuit. He measured 5-foot-11, 204 pounds, and ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in Atlanta in March.
If you’re still not fully aware who Qwan’tez Stiggers is, now’s the time to catch up
At his Pro Day yesterday, 29 NFL teams, including 3 NFL DB coaches, present.
He posted a 36.5 Vert, 10'8 broad, and mid to high 4.4s (our number is 4.47) at 203 lbs.
So far, 10 NFL private… pic.twitter.com/KjW6H33FcY
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) March 16, 2024
The Commanders were one of the NFL teams present.
Over the past month, Stiggers has visited multiple NFL teams. While none have been with Washington, Commanders general manager Adam Peters is known to have a keen eye for talent. Could Peters add Stiggers to Washington’s defensive backfield and count on a talented and respected coaching staff to get the most out of him?
Stiggers will be selected in the draft, and it could be earlier than many believe.
Qwan'tez Stiggers. He's talented. He's well-built with decent length and speed but is instinctive and confident. He's a legit NFL-caliber prospect. and I see him middle rounds https://t.co/S1Z9WSsTTs
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 10, 2024
Stiggers has had an amazing journey and the next chapter begins in the NFL. Will it be with the Commanders?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Could CFL star be an option for the Commanders in the NFL draft?
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