Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes knows he has a lot to prove this season. The No. 29 overall selection of the Green Bay Packers during the 2021 NFL draft, Stokes failed to meet first-round expectations throughout his tenure in Titletown. The Packers declined his fifth-year option last offseason, making him a free agent this year.
The Raiders, in need of cornerbacks, pounced on Stokes’ availability. New general manager John Spytek signed the former Georgia standout to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. Stokes appears primed to start at cornerback for the Raiders this season opposite rookie Darien Porter, or Decamerion Richardson.
Stokes fully comprehends that this is a make-or-break season.
“When you got a chip on your shoulder, that brings out the dog, that animal,” Stokes said, following a recent practice.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is a defensive-minded leader. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was retained despite the regime change. Both Carroll and Graham demand a lot of their cornerbacks, meaning Stokes will be held to a high standard.
Stokes played 587 defensive snaps for the Packers last season. Pro Football Focus claims he allowed 33 receptions on 54 targets for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers are hardly disastrous, but the Packers soured on his ability.
The Raiders possess a ton of questions on the defensive side of the ball. If Graham’s defense is out to outperform the expectations, it’ll take make-or-break starters like Stokes having a positive campaign.
