Green Bay Packers: NFL analyst tabs Eric Stokes as 2022 breakout candidate

The Green Bay Packers had to throw Eric Stokes into the fire last season. An injury to Jaire Alexander pushed Stokes into a position where he became a lead of their secondary. By season’s end, though, he passed with flying colors.

When naming his top second season corners in the NFL, DeAngelo Hall included Stokes to his list. He highlighted Alexander’s injury as giving Stokes an extra opportunity. In turn, it helped get him the stats to justify his place on the list.

“With premier cover corner Jaire Alexander missing 13 games last season, Stokes was forced to step up and cover WR1s for the Packers’ D,” said Hall. “The first-round pick rose to the occasion and played well in Joe Barry’s scheme, allowing the second-lowest rate of open targets among all cornerbacks with 25-plus targets (24%) and a passer rating of 78.8 in coverage (second-lowest among rookie CBs in that group), per PFF. He also was one of the 15 highest-graded cornerbacks by PFF in the NFL from Week 12 on (among those with a minimum of 100 snaps).”

The Packers selected Stokes 29th overall out of Georgia in the 2021 NFL Draft. He finished with 55 tackles and an interception in his 16 games. That also included 14 starts for Green Bay in 2021.

While Alexander’s injury was unfortunate, it allowed Stokes to blossom in ways he wouldn’t in a more reserved role. With both returning to the secondary this season, Hall says it’ll only make the Packers that much better. It’ll also makes lives even harder for secondary receivers with Stokes as their assignment.

“With Alexander back in the mix for 2022, Stokes will be tasked with locking down No. 2 receivers, and there’s no doubt he’ll excel after the experienced gained last season,” Hall said. “Stokes is confident in his ability and doesn’t panic — a great characteristic of a young DB.”

With questions for Green Bay’s offense, even with Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will rely on their defense heavily at points throughout the season. With Alexander back and Stokes growing in his second year, they leave little to no question when it comes to their work on the back end.