Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes was a challenge to throw on at the college level. Stokes, who ran an impressive 40-yard dash, is very athletic and has several seasons of starting experience.
In a recent NFL mock draft, Stokes goes No. 61 (second round) to the Buffalo Bills. Stokes has been compared to former Tennessee Titans defensive back Coty Sensabaugh ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.
Here’s how NFL.com evaluates Stokes’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2021 NFL draft:
Depending upon scheme, need or preference, Stokes offers teams the potential to play him outside or from the slot. Speed and quickness should allow him to stay with route runners or within close-out distance when he gets behind. Stokes played with better press technique in 2020 and he’s willing to get physical near the goal line, but his play strength is below average. While there have been mild flashes of playmaking potential, he’s more likely to play the receiver rather than attacking the football and looking for takeaways. He’s twitchy in tight quarters with the potential to become more disruptive in zone. His size, speed and athleticism could make him a Day 2 pick as a future CB3, but his weakness as a run defender will be challenged quickly by NFL offenses.
Eric Stokes has what it takes to play outside defensive back in the NFL. Stokes dominated on the outside at Georgia and seldom allowed a catch that wasn’t heavily contested. He did not play the slot much after his freshman season. Stokes played well against top flight competition and has NFL-level speed and quickness.
Stokes played in 37 career college football games and recorded 78 total tackles, so, yes, he could be more aggressive as a tackler. The NFL is a passing league and being able to cover receivers closely is far more important than tackling in the run game for cornerbacks.
The former Georgia star has been compared to Sensabaugh. Who is Sensabaugh?
The Tennessee Titans drafted Sensabaugh, a former Clemson Tiger, with a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Sensabaugh played in the NFL from 2012-2019, but was only a regular starter for two seasons.
Sensabaugh was athletic, but he did not have the elite production of Stokes in college. At Georgia, Stokes was named an All-American by CBS Sports and 247Sports for his efforts in the 2020 season. Stokes intercepted four passes as a junior.
Sensabaugh intercepted three passes in his entire NFL career. Overall, this comparison may not be the best. Regardless of his comparison, Stokes will likely be drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft.
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