1. Eric Stokes, cornerback
The Packers 2021 first-round pick, Eric Stokes, has a bright, bright future ahead. He appears to have all the physical traits necessary to become a very successful corner in the NFL. It just might take him some time to develop his fundamentals to get there.
However, the Packers might need him sooner than later.
The top cornerback ahead of Stokes on the depth chart, Kevin King, has battled injuries throughout his NFL career. In four seasons, he’s missed 27 games. Furthermore, when he’s been healthy, he’s been mightily inconsistent. Sometimes he’s proven to be one of the better corners in the NFL. Others, like the NFC Championship games, he gets lit up.
King has been placed on the non-football injury list to begin the season which means Stokes will have a chance to start with the number one defense. We know whoever lines up opposite Jaire Alexander will get a lot of attention. Let’s see if Stokes is up for the challenge.