The Green Bay Packers made a very intriguing move in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With many expecting them to take a wide receiver, they opted to take Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes. It wasnāt the pick that many were expecting, but Stokes will add talent to a cornerback depth chart that desperately needed it.
Heading into the 2021 season, the Packers will have Jaire Alexander penciled in to start on one side of the field and Kevin King as a starter on the other. However, King was torched in the NFC Championship Game and it was a major surprise that Green Bay opted to re-sign him to a one-year deal.
Despite re-signing him to a new contract, the Packers taking Stokes in the first round proves that they do not fully trust King. Stokes will be able to compete for playing time right off the bat.
With all of that being said, fans should be excited about the selection of Eric Stokes. He has elite speed and great playmaking ability. There will be a lot of work for him to do, but the future could be very bright for him with the Packers.
Take a look at some highlights of Stokes that should make Green Bay ecstatic about their selection of him in the first round at No. 29 overall.
It will be interesting to see what kind of career Stokes has with the Packers. Brian Gutekunst is on the hot seat for most fans and analysts, especially with the reports coming out that Aaron Rodgers wants him fired. This pick panning out would help give Gutekunst a chance to say āI told you soā to many fans and the media.
Over the last few years, the Packers have struggled in big games on the defensive side of the football. They have improved their pass-rush, but the secondary still left something to be desired. The selection of Stokes may not fully fix the defensive issues, but his athletic ability will certainly help.
Expect to see Eric Stokes come in and play a role in his rookie season with Green Bay. He has a ton of raw talent and his athletic ability is well above average. This pick could end up being a steal for the Packers.
