Green Bay Packers Former 1st Round Pick Having Abysmal Training Camp With New Team
The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to sign former Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes to a one-year, $3.5 million “prove it” deal was met with cautious optimism. However, early returns from training camp and preseason action are already raising familiar red flags that Packers fans know all too well.
Eric Stokes Struggling With Las Vegas Raiders
Stokes’ Raiders debut against the Seattle Seahawks offered a glimmer of hope for the organization and its fanbase. Playing 20 defensive snaps, the 26-year-old cornerback earned a respectable 68.6 overall PFF grade while allowing zero completions on two targets. It was the kind of performance that suggested maybe, just maybe, a change of scenery could unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick.
That optimism came crashing down in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. In just 11 coverage snaps, Stokes was targeted three times and allowed all three passes to be completed for 41 yards. The result? A dismal 118.8 passer rating against—the kind of number that makes defensive coordinators reach for antacids.
This Jekyll-and-Hyde performance perfectly encapsulates the Eric Stokes experience that Packers fans endured for four seasons.
The Green Bay Packers’ First-Round Gamble
The Green Bay Packers selected Stokes with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, a move that raised eyebrows given Aaron Rodgers’ well-documented need for receiving weapons. The Georgia product was brought in to address the team’s secondary concerns, particularly with Jaire Alexander missing significant time due to injury.
His rookie season showed promise. Stokes led the Green Bay Packers with 14 passes defended and contributed 55 tackles along with an interception. While not spectacular, it was a solid production from a first-year player thrust into a significant role. However, that rookie campaign would represent the peak of his Green Bay career.
The Downward Spiral in Green Bay
The 2022 season marked the beginning of Stokes’ professional struggles. His play deteriorated significantly, earning just a 53.7 overall PFF grade across nine games before a season-ending ankle injury mercifully ended his campaign. This injury would prove to be the first in a series of setbacks that would define his Packers tenure.
The 2023 season was even more disappointing. Stokes managed just four appearances due to various injuries, and when he did take the field, his performance was subpar. The combination of poor play and injury concerns led Green Bay to decline his fifth-year option—a clear indication that the organization had lost faith in their former first-round investment.
His final season in Green Bay saw some improvement, as he appeared in all 17 regular-season games plus the playoff loss to Philadelphia. However, starting just seven games told the real story. Despite being healthy, the coaching staff didn’t trust him enough to be a full-time starter, and his release became inevitable.
Pete Carroll’s Defensive Vision
The Raiders’ decision to sign Stokes reflects head coach Pete Carroll’s belief in his ability to develop defensive backs. Carroll has a track record of maximizing cornerback talent, from his days with the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” to his work with various defensive backs throughout his career.
Carroll’s defensive system typically emphasizes press coverage and physical play—characteristics that should theoretically suit Stokes’ skill set. At 6’0″ with legitimate speed, Stokes possesses the physical tools to succeed in Carroll’s scheme. The question remains whether he can consistently execute the mental aspects of the position.
The Raiders’ secondary needed reinforcement, and with Stokes projected to start at right cornerback, his success or failure could significantly impact the defense’s overall effectiveness. Carroll’s willingness to bet on Stokes suggests he sees something salvageable in the former first-round pick.
The Broader Implications for Las Vegas
Stokes’ struggles represent more than just individual disappointment—they could significantly impact the Raiders’ defensive strategy and depth chart. If he fails to develop into a reliable starter, the organization will need to explore alternative options, potentially through trade, free agency, or increased reliance on younger players.
The Raiders’ defense is in a transition period under Carroll’s leadership, and they need reliable contributors to implement his system effectively. Cornerback is a crucial position in Carroll’s defensive philosophy, making Stokes’ development essential to the team’s overall success.
His inability to provide consistent coverage could force defensive coordinator adjustments that might compromise other aspects of the game plan. The ripple effects of cornerback struggles can impact pass rush timing, safety support, and overall defensive confidence.
Looking Ahead: Redemption or Repetition?
As the Raiders prepare for the regular season, Stokes faces a critical juncture in his career. At 26, he’s still young enough to turn things around, but his track record suggests consistent struggles rather than untapped potential.
The remaining preseason games and early regular season will be crucial for determining his role in Carroll’s defense. If he continues to struggle, the Raiders may need to consider alternative options, potentially relegating him to a backup role or practice squad candidate.
For Stokes personally, this represents perhaps his last opportunity to establish himself as an NFL starter. The “prove it” nature of his contract means poor performance could lead to another search for employment, potentially at a significantly reduced salary.
The Verdict on Vegas’ Gamble
The early returns on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Eric Stokes experiment are concerning but not conclusive. Two preseason games don’t define a career, but they do provide insight into a player’s current state and trajectory.
Carroll’s track record with defensive backs provides some reason for optimism, but Stokes must show significant improvement to justify the organization’s investment. His inconsistent performances through two preseason games suggest that the same issues that plagued him in Green Bay may have followed him to Las Vegas.
Raiders fans hoping for a defensive back revival story may need to temper their expectations. The evidence suggests that what they’re seeing from Stokes is likely what they’ll continue to get—an inconsistent player whose physical tools haven’t translated to reliable NFL performance.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this is truly a fresh start or simply the continuation of a disappointing professional trajectory.
