When former Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes was drafted 29th overall in 2021 by the Packers, he was immediately thrust into action as a rookie starter. He performed well as an injury replacement for Jaire Alexander and, at times, Rasul Douglas, but with both returning to form and healthy, Stokes may be coming off the bench for the first time in his career, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. 
Stokes started 14 games during that rookie season when Alexander and Douglas missed a combined 18 games. He graded out well in coverage, recording an interception and 14 passes defensed and did well enough as a rookie to slot himself in as a starter over Douglas on the depth chart to begin his sophomore season. Unfortunately, after struggling through a bit of a sophomore slump, the decision was made for the coaches as an ankle injury forced Stokes to miss the final eight games of the season.
Now Alexander and Douglas are fully healthy and are both coming off strong seasons. Alexander continues to be one of the NFL’s top defensive backs, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), rebounding from his major injury in 2021 to grade out as the 8th best cornerback in the league. Douglas ran with the opportunity to start in place of Stokes on the outside and delivered a performance that graded him out as the 30th best cornerback in the league, according to PFF.
Schneidman also points out that cornerback and return specialist Keisean Nixon excelled down the stretch last season in the slot for Green Bay, likely solidifying his as the starting nickelback for 2023. He started four games for the Packers, with three coming consecutively late in the year.
So, after a down second season that saw him grade out as the 105th graded cornerback by PFF, it looks like Stokes will be coming off the bench to fill in for Alexander, Douglas, and Nixon in his return from last year’s season-ending injury. He may not be starting, but he’d be smart to stay ready. Although Alexander and Douglas both appeared in nearly every game last year (Alexander missed one), neither are far removed from injuries, and with Nixon’s heavy involvement on special teams, Stokes should earn ample time rotating in.
Another wasted first round pick on defense during the Rodgers era.
What weapons didnt he have in 2021?
Tae
Lazard
Cobb
Jones
Dillion
All star o line
For years it was “if aaron had a defense” then the packers focused on defense it became “aaron had no weapons”
Any excuse for him.
Fyi aarons last throw to tae was into double coverage on 4th down while lazard set up a camp at the first down marker all alone.
Wait..so, because in mid June some random reports suggest that Stokes won’t start, he’s a wasted pick?
A. They have Jaire and Rasul, who according to the article were sorta pretty good last year.
B. Stokes is coming back from injury. Not that long ago I read a story suggesting he may not even be 100% when the season starts. Perhaps easing him back into things is part of the plan?
C. If he is healthy and/or ready, I’m sure with their dime package he’ll get on the field plenty.
D. Being or not being labeled a “starter” doesn’t necessarily dictate playing time/number of snaps/importance of play when a player is actually on the field.
Stokes had more than an ankle injury; he had a Lisfranc injury and spent a few months not being able to walk.
Bird, what has Dillon done ever? That was also a horrible pick.
I am more highlighting Gute being a poor GM (and he is) here.
All star o line is mildly funny. They have a great left side but the right side and center are all replacement level players. They also drafted Myers over Humphrey.
Lazard is at best any team’s WR3 as well.
My goodness is your take bad. So bad it’s as if you don’t even pay attention.
Of the 4 takes I made what is wrong.
Gute is a bad GM.
Oline outside of Bak and Jenkins is replacement level.
Dillon wasted pick.
Lazard is a WR3.
Go ahead I’d love to hear it.
Say you know nothing without saying it. Tom and Runyan are both very good, Meyers is average, but yes, bad pick taking him over Humphrey. Also, Dillon has been very good, he has split carries but he is great in pass protection, averages 4.5 YPC, and has been a good pass catcher as well. You’re clueless.
Tom graded out sub 70 by PFF last year, Runyun even lower and Myers EVEN LOWER.
I’d much rather have Jamaal Williams over Dillon based on similar production and a better locker room guy overall.
That 2nd round pick for Dillon could’ve been useful depth elsewhere if they kept Williams.