There is a great deal of optimism surrounding the Green Bay Packers defense this season. The firing of former defensive coordinator Joe Barry was a highly anticipated move by fans who had never liked his hiring to begin with. That being said, the decision to hire Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, and the remarks he and players have made to the media since then, have many believing this Packers defense could be the best unit Green Bay has had in years.
Training camp for the defense started on a high note with three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark signing a three-year $64 million contract extension with the team. Previously this offseason, Clark had been openly supportive and spoke highly of Hafley’s new defensive system.
Another player who was spoke excitedly about Hafley’s defense was fourth-year cornerback Eric Stokes.
Green Bay Packers Cornerback Eric Stokes Spoke Highly of New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
Earlier this offseason, Stokes was quoted as saying the following about Hafley and the new defensive scheme:
“I love Hafley … He just want you to go out there and have fun and just play 110 miles per hour and that’s what I love about Hafley … he always say, ‘Imma go ahead and take the bullet. You just go out there and just have fun and you just play.’”
It certainly is positive to see Stokes so excited about playing. The former first round pick is coming off of a year-and-a-half of brutal leg injuries that have kept him off the field. Along with wide receiver Christian Watson, Stokes traveled to the University of Wisconsin in Madison this offseason in search of answers for his injury troubles.
The good news is that it sounds like they have determined the underlying cause of his leg injuries. The bad news, at least for Stokes, is that the Packers decided not to pick up his fifth-year option.
In other words, this season could be Stokes’ last for the Packers unless he has a big year.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Has High Expectations for Eric Stokes
Due to his injury history, Stokes in not guaranteed a starting job now that he is healthy. Obviously, Jaire Alexander will be one of the starting boundary cornerbacks while Keisean Nixon starts at nickel. The other starting boundary job, though, is wide open.
Stokes could certainly win it, but he will be competing against Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, and Kalen King.
On Monday morning, general manager Brian Gutekunst met with the media before the start of training camp. Of Stokes entering the final year of his rookie deal (with no option anymore), he said (via Ryan Wood):
Brian Gutekunst says he’s “expecting a big year” from Eric Stokes: “He’s attacked this thing, couldn’t ask more about what he’s done. He’s got a great attitude about it. He looks great.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) July 22, 2024
While the Packers may be pleased with Stokes’ attitude, he still needs to prove he can stay healthy. If he does, and if he does meet Gutekunst’s expectations, he could be in Green Bay for a long time.
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