Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes knew he needed a strong training camp to get his career back on track. The Packers declined to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason and he played only 12 of the last 36 possible games including playoffs due to assorted injuries. But Stokes has gotten off to a strong start during the first week of training camp.
Packers CB Eric Stokes Off to a Strong Start: His Path Here
GM Brian Gutekunst selected Stokes with the Packers first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Georgia alum had a strong rookie season. He was pressed into the starting lineup when both Jaire Alexander and Kevin King missed time due to injuries.
Stokes started 14 games and played well. He used his outstanding speed to catch up even if he was initially beaten on a play. Stokes intercepted one pass and broke up 14. Opposing quarterbacks completed only 49.5 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Stokes and had a quarterback rating of just 71.3.
While Stokes still needed to improve his ability to track footballs in the air and to secure makable interceptions, he played well enough in 2021 to be considered a solid NFL starter with the ability to improve as he gained experience.
The Injuries and Struggles Follow
In 2022, things took a turn for the worse for Stokes. He struggled in Joe Barry’s soft zone defense which didn’t play to his strengths. Stokes prefers to press receivers at the line, not to give them a cushion off the snap.
In the first nine games of the season, opposing quarterbacks connected on 80 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Stokes. His season ended in Week 9 when he suffered knee and foot injuries in Detroit.
Last season, Stokes started the year on the PUP list. He managed to play just three games before suffering additional injuries and landing back on injured reserve. When he played, he continued to struggle. He was clearly not ready to play a large role in the defense but returned too soon.
During the offseason, the Packers sent him to a hamstring specialist in Madison to try to prevent future injuries. Stokes was expected to battle Carrington Valentine for the starting corner spot opposite Alexander in training camp. The new defensive system installed by Jeff Hafley will play more to Stokes’ strengths.
Packers CB Eric Stokes Off to a Strong Start: Training Camp
Stokes has played well in the first week of training camp. On Wednesday, he made two interceptions.
“It feels good. It feels good,” Stokes told reporters. “A lot of preparation, a lot of stuff that I had studied the night … it was a good day.”
He described the two picks. “On the first one, [Dontayvion] Wicks did a little slant. I’m supposed to be tighter to that, but tipped ball, perfect play. And on [the] second one, I knew I had help inside or whatever and then just reading the leverage. just reading everything … It was a good day.”
Stokes’ teammates were also excited to see him playing well. “Man, it’s good to see, especially where he came from with his injuries and all that,” defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. “And he got a pick today — two picks. It’s good to see him getting back to himself. Stokes has got great energy all around the building. We all love him. Every day, he’s bringing in the right energy. Even when he was hurt, you really couldn’t tell. He’s never one of those guys that’s down. High character, good overall dude and somebody that you root for.”
Stokes is off to a good start in training camp. He has done what must have seemed like endless work to rehab and get himself healthy again. Now he’s putting in the work on the field to return to the form that made him so successful as a rookie.
There’s still more work to be done, but Stokes is where he needs to be right now and is looking forward to the chance to prove himself once the season starts.
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