Packers CB Eric Stokes set to build on promising…

Anticipating he’d be thrown into the fire right away, the Packers had Stokes line up across from All-Pro receiver Davante Adams frequently during training camp. It was the best physical preparation any rookie could ask for, as well as a test of his confidence.

Stokes never backed down. Sure, he got beat here and there by Aaron Rodgers and Adams (who doesn’t?), but he battled every time.

He got his first NFL interception in Week 4 vs. Pittsburgh, picking off future Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter of a home victory. He had chances for others, too, most notably on a wobbly pass to the sideline by San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo in the NFC Divisional playoff.

It appeared to have pick-six written all over it, but Stokes said he anticipated the ball coming faster than it did, so he focused on securing the tackle on the play.

“When I got to the sideline and saw it, I was like, dang I should’ve actually made a play on the ball,” Stokes said. “It is what it is. I can’t take that back or anything. Just gotta move forward.”

It’s the type of play that’s easy to see Stokes making more often than missing as his career continues.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur repeatedly pointed out Stokes’ competitiveness throughout the season after matchups against receivers like Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase or Seattle’s DK Metcalf, among other top opponents.

It wasn’t all perfect, as stars such as Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson scored long touchdowns against him. But according to stathead.com, Stokes allowed a measly 49.5% completion rate on the season, fourth in the league among all NFL defensive backs targeted more than 45 times.

Assuming Alexander is healthy in 2022 and playing regularly, Stokes can probably count on still being attacked by opposing QBs. Gray’s words will continue to hold true.

That competitive makeup combined with his blazing speed should serve him well as he builds on a promising rookie season.

“The biggest lesson is pretty much just live in the moment,” Stokes said. “Because you will have your highs, you will have your lows, and you’ve just got to continue to rock out with it and continue to grow and learn from it.”