Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes ended Tuesday’s training camp practice by intercepting a pass from Jordan Love to Christian Watson and finishing the drive with an interception near the goal line.
Highlight plays have become a regular occurrence for Stokes this summer. Healthy for the first time in nearly two years, Stokes is showing yet again why the Packers selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft.
“Stokes looked like the guy we thought he was. I thought he did a great job out there,” coach Matt LaFleur said before Tuesday’s practice.
Stokes has at least four interceptions in 11-on-11 work through seven training camp practices. He intercepted Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt in a July 24 practice. He intercepted the ball Tuesday against Love and the No. 1 offense.
After suffering a season-ending injury in 2022 and missing all but three games with a recurring hamstring strain in 2023, Stokes is finally injury-free. And in a contract year, he’s competing directly with Carrington Valentine for a starting spot opposite Jaire Alexander. To say 2024 is a make-or-break year would be an understatement. So far, Stokes is building a solid foundation for what could be a revival season at a key Super Bowl contender position.
LaFleur is equally impressed with Valentine’s start to camp.
“CV, he’s still playing. He had another big pick last practice. I love the way he competes,” LaFleur said.
The competition at cornerback will need more than seven practices to settle in. And it likely won’t be confined to this summer — the Packers will allow the competition to continue throughout the year.
“I thought both of those guys did a great job,” LaFleur said, “and it’s going to be a great rivalry in the preseason and in the games.”
