The Green Bay Packers shocked quite a few fans when they decided to select Georgia standout cornerback Eric Stokes with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While they needed a cornerback, many thought the team would focus on a wide receiver with the first-round pick. Stokes ended up being the selection and most fans have come around to the pick after seeing the speed and athleticism he brings to the field.
So far during offseason activities, Stokes has looked very solid. He will likely play a decent sized role behind Jaire Alexander and Kevin King and could even end up pushing King for a starting job at some point in 2021.
Just weeks into his NFL career with the Packers, Stokes has revealed the biggest goal that he has for his rookie season. The goal is one that everyone has to respect and love.
“I’m just trying to take it day by day to where I know for a fact that I’m improving and I know I’m getting better and learning something. That’s pretty much my biggest goal. I’m going to come in here, I’m going to do what the coach asks me. If the coach asks me to do this, I’m going to do that. I’m not going to go back and forth or anything to where, I’m going to keep my head down, just keep working. That’s the only thing I do know, just work.”
During his three-year college career with the Bulldogs, Stokes ended up recording 78 total tackles to go along with one sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and 22 defended passes. All four of his interceptions came last year and both of his defensive touchdowns did as well. Those numbers show why the Packers were so intrigued by him.
Stokes is a bit of a development pick, as the Packers know they will need to work with him. He has the physical ability to be a special NFL cornerback, but his technique’s will need some work.
Standing in at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Stokes has good size for an NFL cornerback. He has elite speed and can make plays on the football. Green Bay needed more playmaking in their secondary and they firmly believe that Stokes can be the guy to bring that extra forced turnover threat.
It will be fun to watch Eric Stokes develop over the next few years. The Packers did not make this pick simply for the 2021 season. They are looking years down the road and they believe that he has superstar potential.
Expect to see a lot of Stokes this season. He may not end up starting at any point as a rookie, but he will get playing time and will work hard. That is all anyone can ever ask of a rookie.
