Eric Stokes 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’0.5
Weight: 194 lbs.
School: University of Georgia
Pro Day Data
Vertical: 38.5
40-Yard Dash: 4.28 (Unofficial)
Eric Stokes 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Born on March 1st, 1999, in Covington, Georgia, Stokes attended Eastside High School. Offensively, he completed 41 carries of 279 yards with two touchdowns while also having 16 receptions of 183 yards with three touchdowns. Additionally, he had one kick return of 84 yards. Defensively, Stokes completed 20 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, and five passes defensed. ESPN and Rivals.com both rated him as a three-star prospect. ESPN rated him the #99 overall prospect in Georgia while Rivals.com ranked him the #51 ATH nationally, and the #56 overall prospect in Georgia. 247Sports.com ranked him also as a three-star prospect, #61 nationally for cornerbacks and the #66 prospect in Georgia. Scout rated him as a three-star prospect, the #37 ATH nationally, and the #7 ATH in Georgia. Stokes committed to the University of Georgia.
In his first year, Stokes was redshirted. The following season, Stokes completed 16 solo and four assisted tackles with nine passes defended. He also had two punts returns of 27 yards with one touchdown. Stokes was co-winner of the Defensive Most Improved Player Award. Stokes completed a season-best five tackles in a game against Texas and was second on his team with nine pass breakups.
During his junior season, Stokes completed 30 solo and eight assisted tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, and nine passes defended. He received Associated Press All-SEC 2nd Team honors. Stokes led the team in pass breakups and a career-high seven tackles against Auburn, plus a career-high six stops against South Carolina.
In his senior season, Stokes completed 14 solo and six assisted tackles as well as defending four passes. He completed four interceptions of 94 yards with two touchdowns. Stokes received CBS Sports and 247Sports All-American First-Team Honors. He also was chosen by the Associated Press and Phil Steele for First-Team All-SEC and Second-Team by the coaches. Stokes received SEC Defensive Player of the Week Honors and ranked second in the SEC with four receptions. He was also placed on the Wuerffel Trophy watch list.
Strengths
- Speed, quickness, and agility
- Good balance
- Completed two intercepted touchdowns
- Has faced high levels of competition
- Isn’t deterred by physical opponents
Weaknesses
- Slender build with low strength
- Can be overly aggressive in grabbing
- Not dynamic in defensive coverage
- Not physical
- Needs to improve on tackling skills
Player Comparison: William Jackson III
Teams With Need at Position: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams
Draft Projection: Second Round
Bottom Line on Eric Stokes
Speed, speed, and more speed is the name of the game with Stokes. He doesn’t have the physicality to attack the receiver but is more than capable of disrupting plays and intercepting the football. The fact that Stokes played on both sides of the football in high school, helps him to read the receivers better. He projects as number two cornerback in the NFL, with the ability to be a decent number one with some polishing of his abilities.
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