The Green Bay Packers jubilance over selecting Georgia defensive back Eric Stokes with the 29th choice in the 2021 NFL draft was overwhelmed by the news that broke earlier in the day that Aaron Rodgers wants out of Green Bay after 16 seasons, a bombshell that smoldered over Lambeau Field until well after Thursday night’s opening round was concluded.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst delivered a very fast, athletic corner to a young secondary that already features Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander and up and coming safety Darnell Savage. Eric Stokes proved his mettle in the SEC which had four wide receivers taken among the top 20 players in the draft including a pair from Alabama. The 6-1, 190 pound corner has been clocked as fast as 4.25 in the 40 and while his speed was impossible not to notice, Gutekunst said late Thursday night he has plenty of football savvy that will add a lot to his defense.
As for Stokes, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Georgia, he told reporters going up against the likes of Jaylen Waddle and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith of Alabama, Ja’Marr Chase of LSU and Kadarius Toney of Florida has him well prepared for the what’s coming at the next level.
Stokes relied primarily on his speed early in his career but became more proficient at making plays on the ball by intercepting four passes in nine games for the Bulldogs last fall. Nicknamed “Dirty Red”, Eric said he can’t wait to work with Alexander, a player he calls one of the best, if not the best corner in the NFL.
Stokes becomes the 12th defensive back drafted by the Packers since 2014 and the 8th taken in either the first or second round.
The draft’s excitement was overshadowed by the story first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Rodgers has reached an impasse with the organization that drafted him in 2005, and that he no longer wants to return even though he has three years remaining on a five year, 137 million dollar contract extension he signed in 2019. Rumors of possible trades began flying although Gutekunst said he actually spoke to only one team during the day and that was very brief. He was firm that there are no plans to trade Rodgers.
Discussions have taken place on a contract extension but Gutekunst did not offer specifics. He said he did speak with Rodgers during the day after the story broke and Gutekunst said he remains optimistic Rodgers will be back even though he apparently doesn’t want to return.
But it’s undeniable the perception around the rest of the league is that the winningest franchise in NFL history and the reigning and three time NFL MVP are at odds.
The Rodgers dust will not settle even as the draft continues through the rest of the weekend.
