The 29th overall choice in the 2021 draft went to Eric Stokes, chosen by the Green Bay Packers. Between 2018 and 2020, Stokes was a vital component of the University of Georgia’s dominant SEC defence. However, after coming to Green Bay, his career has been hindered by injuries and poor performances. Stokes needs to establish his worth to the Packers in 2024 because he has one more year remaining on his rookie deal.
Stokes was a three-star recruit by the University of Georgia. He was one of their best defensive players before he left after three years. Stokes started each and every game for the Bulldogs in his final two years there. He recorded 20 total stops in his senior season of college, including four interceptions and four pass breakups in just nine games. That year, he gave up just one touchdown to DeVonta Smith.
A strong, quick defensive back who could match college football’s best receivers, Stokes was well-regarded going into the draft. He did not fare as well overall after joining Green Bay, though.
In 2021, Stokes had a strong debut season with the Packers. Thirteen rookie cornerbacks played at least 200 snaps in the 2021 season, according to Pro Football Focus. With just 51% of balls thrown his way going for a completion, Stokes led all of those 13 corners in completion percentage.
In addition, he led the group in yards gained after completion with just 2.69 per grab and the most throws swatted away, demonstrating his ability to tackle in the open field. Stokes allowed one catch per reception and was second overall in snaps per reception.
Soon after Alexander recovered, Stokes struggled with injuries. Due to different problems with his knee and foot, he missed nine games in 2022. He was out for the majority of the 2023 season with a hamstring injury. Over the previous two years, Stokes appeared in just 12 games, and just three last year. He totaled 26 solo tackles and one tackle for loss in those 12 games.
Given that Stokes is about to reach the last year of his four-year rookie deal, this upcoming season will serve as his prove-it year.
Stokes must first maintain his health in order to make a name for himself the next season. Not just him, but, missing many games because of a sore hamstring. Aaron Jones was absent from six games last
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