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Packers draft Eric Stokes in first round: The good, the bad, the grade

By Brian Sampson

COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 22: Eric Stokes #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs into the end zone to score on a blocked punt against the Missouri Tigers in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 22: Eric Stokes #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs into the end zone to score on a blocked punt against the Missouri Tigers in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 26: Eric Stokes #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after returning a interception for a touchdown during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 37-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Packers first-round pick: The Bad

Hopefully, the Packers’ front office knows more than the public analysts, as this was a reach by every stretch of the imagination. The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler had Stokes ranked as his 51st prospect, PFF had him at 72 and ESPN’s Mel Kiper had him at 71. Not great, Bob.

Stokes wasn’t even the highest-ranked Georgia Cornerback on Kiper’s board–Tyson Cambell was–and was his lowest-ranked prospect selected in the first round. Florida State corner Asante Samuel Jr. was also available for the taking as was much-hyped wide receiver Elijah Moore (a perfect way to calm the Rodgers’ storm).

Stokes flashed good ability in college but was maddeningly inconsistent. He has good straight-line speed, yes, but he lacks the ability to change directions quickly. This forces him to use his hands far too often which can lead to a plethora of penalties. Maybe this pick will turn out for Green Bay but it looks questionable on draft day.

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