Packers get help at biggest need by selecting Eric Stokes at No. 29

There’s no doubt cornerback was the Green Bay Packers‘ top need entering this draft.

And they agreed. With the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Packers have selected Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes.

Stokes was a turnover machine in his final year at Georgia, making four interceptions. Of them, he returned two for touchdowns. The Packers will hope that translates to the NFL.

Stokes will provide some competition for Kevin King early on. He strengthens the depth at cornerback and could develop into a starter opposite All-Pro Jaire Alexander.

Many wondered whether Green Bay would finally get some help on offense in the first round, but instead the Packers have addressed their biggest overall need this offseason. And there’s no doubt that with Stokes, the secondary can take a step forward. It will be interesting whether he’s a starter early on.

Before the draft even started tonight, the headlines belonged to Aaron Rodgers following a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he wants out of Green Bay.

From that moment, the rumors began about where he would be playing football in 2021 and beyond. Would the Packers trade him? Would they trade Jordan Love?

But despite all of the speculation on the internet, the Packers stood firm and didn’t trade Rodgers, or even trade up for that matter, something they’ve done in the previous four drafts.

We’re one year on from when the team traded up for Jordan Love in the first round, the moment much of the talk about Rodgers’ future started.

What happens with Rodgers remains to be seen later this offseason, but for now, Green Bay has added a new player to the roster. And after drafting Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, and Darnell Savage in the first round previously, Brian Gutekunst has a good track record to this point.

What are your thoughts on the pick?