Green Bay Packers Eric Stokes Under Pressure to Perform in 2024

Heading into the 2024 season, some players on the Green Bay Packers need to put together a strong season. If they don’t, they could be looking for employment elsewhere. One of those players is cornerback Eric Stokes.

A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Eric Stokes hit the ground running as a rookie. The Green Bay Packers looked to have found a long-term partner for Jaire Alexander opposite in the secondary.

In his first season in the NFL, the former Bulldog played in 16 games, starting 14 of them. He had 14 passes defended with 55 total tackles and one interception. Unfortunately, he has not gotten close to that level since.

A major reason for that has been injuries. In his sophomore season, Eric Stokes played in only nine games before succumbing to foot and knee injuries, ending his season. In 2023, he suffered multiple hamstring injuries that resulted in playing in only three games.

He didn’t make his season debut until Week 7 against the Denver Broncos when he only played four special teams snaps before getting injured again. Eric Stokes missed seven more games before being inserted into the starting lineup for two contests, only to go down again, re-injuring the same hamstring.

Thus far this offseason, reports are positive about the cornerback. He has looked healthy, receiving praise from head coach Matt LaFleur. But, with the fifth-year option on his rookie contract being declined, 2024 is a make-or-break campaign.

Not only does Eric Stokes need to prove he is healthy enough to warrant a starting spot, but he also has to beat out Carrington Valentine. A seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he stepped up big time last season with Stokes and Alexander dealing with injuries.

The Green Bay Packers didn’t make any significant additions at cornerback this offseason. Kalen King was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as the team is expressing confidence in the group they have now.

If Eric Stokes wants to remain part of that group beyond 2024, he has to perform in training camp and the regular season.

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