Packers: Re-grading the 2021 draft class two years on
Coming off an excellent 2020 season, the Green Bay Packers knew a strong draft class could help them finally get back to the Super Bowl.
With needs at cornerback, center, and wide receiver, the Packers drafted Eric Stokes, Josh Myers, and Amari Rodgers in the opening few rounds.
They later added offensive and defensive linemen in Royce Newman and T.J. Slaton.
Was it a successful draft for the Packers?
Green Bay Packers’ 2021 draft class
- Round 1 (29): Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
- Round 2 (62): Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
- Round 3 (85): Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
- Round 4 (142): Royce Newman, OL, Mississippi
- Round 5 (173): T.J. Slaton, DL, Florida
- Round 5 (178): Shemar Jean-Charles, CB, Appalachian State
- Round 6 (214): Cole Van Lanen, OL, Wisconsin
- Round 6 (220): Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
- Round 7 (256): Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
Final grade: C
Only two years on, it’s still too early to draw any real conclusions from this draft.
Eric Stokes is a player to watch entering his third season.
He had an excellent rookie year, defending 14 passes and making one interception, while starting 14 games. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a passer rating of 71.3 and a completion percentage of just 49.5 in year one. Impressive numbers.
However, he made a slow start to the 2022 season. In the nine games he played, Stokes allowed a passer rating of 123.5 and a completion percentage of 80.
Stokes suffered knee and ankle injuries in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, ending his season.
Josh Myers has started 23 games in his first two seasons but has been inconsistent. The Packers probably should’ve drafted Creed Humphrey, a Pro Bowler with the Kansas City Chiefs and selected just one pick after Myers.
Amari Rodgers is no longer on the roster, while Royce Newman is a backup, having lost a starting spot along the offensive line.
Still, this class has potential.
Stokes showed Pro Bowl potential in year one. Myers is a solid starter, he just needs to be more consistent. Newman is a capable backup, while T.J. Slaton could see an increased role in 2023.