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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Nov 14, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) dives trying to catch a pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) defends during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Eric Stokes, CB, Green Bay Packers

2021 Stats: 

  • 55 Tackles
  • 14 Pass Defenses
  • 1 Interception

It feels as though the Georgia Bulldogs are about to send an entire defensive team into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but it’s not as if they haven’t been sending elite talent into the NFL on that side of the ball for several years now.

In 2021, the Dawgs sent one player into the first round, and he turned out to be pretty good. Eric Stokes, who put up an incredible workout during his pro day that included a 4.31-time in the 40-yard dash, was taken by the Green Bay Packers at No. 29.

Stokes quickly found a role as the starter opposite Jaire Alexander as he started in 14 games while playing in all but one. He had 55 tackles, 43 of which were solo tackles, and 14 pass breakups. He recorded just one pick but that number is sure to increase the more comfortable he gets in the NFL.

Green Bay is widely seen as an offensive team since they do have Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur has an offensive background. However, they have been making heavy investments on the defensive side of the ball and this goes down as just another stellar move for Green Bay. With Stokes and Alexander, the Packers now have a very impressive starting defensive backfield, and both are incredibly young.

Grade: A

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