Packers select CB Eric Stokes with 29th overall pick

The Green Bay Packers selected corner Eric Stokes out of Georgia with the 29th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The cornerback position was arguably the Packers' biggest need entering the draft; the team's No. 2 corner, Kevin King, is set to hit free agency in 2022 and is coming off perhaps the worst season of his career.

Stokes amassed 78 tackles, four interceptions, and 22 pass breakups during three seasons at Georgia.

Green Bay has now taken a defensive back in the first round of three of the past four drafts. The club selected cornerback Jaire Alexander in 2018 and safety Darnell Savage in 2019.

The Packers have not selected a pass-catcher or running back in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.

Draft Profile

Key stats: 20 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defended

The first of two talented Georgia corners, Stokes' elite combination of size and blazing speed (4.3 40-yard dash time) will have many NFL teams interested in his services. He's experienced in press coverage and endured plenty of matchups against the SEC's elite receivers. The main knock on Stokes is that he didn't consistently shine on the field. While he should've dominated with his skill set, he was overly physical in one-on-one assignments and didn't display the natural instincts necessary for zone. Once he cleans up his technique, Stokes can develop into a quality starting cornerback for a team that allows him to utilize his strengths in man coverage.