Packers select CB Eric Stokes with 29th overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers, for the first time in Brian Gutekunst’s tenure as general manager, have chosen not to move off their original draft slot in the first round. Staying at the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Packers have selected cornerback Eric Stokes from the University of Georgia.

Stokes recorded four interceptions as a junior in 2021, leading the Bulldogs. He and teammate Tyson Campbell, who will likely be selected in the second round of the draft, made for an impressive tandem on the outside for Kirby Smart’s defense.

Pure speed is not a question for Stokes, who ran the 40-yard dash in a reported 4.31 seconds at Georgia’s Pro Day. However, Stokes’ agility times were surprisingly slow for a Packers cornerback, coming in at 4.36 (short shuttle) and 6.96 (3-cone), outside the team’s normal preferences. Still, with good jumping and explosiveness numbers, Stokes recorded an overall RAS of 9.37, affirming the Packers’ commitment to exceptional overall athletes.

At 6 feet and 5/8-inch tall and 194 pounds, Stokes has good size, which should help complement Jaire Alexander on opposide sides of the Packers’ defense.

Stay tuned for more on the Packers’ round one pick throughout the evening.