Green Bay Packers Eric Stokes Praises Rookie Teammate

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes has received a lot of praise for how he has looked during the team’s OTAs. Healthy for the first time in a long time, he is regaining the form that he showed during an excellent rookie season in 2021.

The former first-round pick out of Georgia has a lot to prove in 2024. The Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract earlier this offseason, meaning he is set to become a free agent in 2025.

He will be looking to lock down one of the starting spots in the secondary. Right now, cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Xavier McKinney are the only surefire starters in the defensive backfield.

Another player who will be looking to join Eric Stokes out there is rookie safety, Javon Bullard. A second-round pick, who is also out of Georiga, caught the eye of Stokes during OTAs this week. He praised his rookie teammate and is hoping they can share the field together a lot in 2024.

“I love Bull,” Stokes said. “He came (to Georgia) right after me. He’s a dog. He’s a savage. He’s knocking heads off. I can’t wait to be out there with him.”

Bullard is someone that evaluators are excited to see in Green Bay. His versatility and style of play should mesh perfectly with McKinney, who is also capable of filling several roles. 

A big hitter, Bullard is going to look to set the tone for the Packers this season. Getting acclimated to the NFL is not easy, but Bullard is thankful to have someone like Eric Stokes to lean on early in his career.

“That’s my locker buddy. Me and E go way back, even before I got here,” Bullard said. “He’s helped me tremendously, on and off the field. That’s my guy.”

The Packers have been using Georgia as a pipeline for talent over the last few years. If Bullard and Eric Stokes can earn spots in the starting lineup, they will join fellow Bulldogs, linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, on the field.