Eric

Stokes

Stokes (6'1/185), who clocked times of 4.28 and 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Georgia’s Pro Day, could sneak into the first round of next month’s draft. A second-round grade seems a bit conservative when taking his measurables, testing numbers and on-field production into consideration. “Stokes possesses terrific measurables and has shown developing ball skills,” Pauline wrote in his analysis. “He’s effective facing the action while also displaying the ability to make plays with his back to the ball. Stokes comes with a large upside and offers potential in nickel packages early in his NFL career, and he could eventually develop into a first-team player.”

Stokes (6'0"/194) clocked in at 4.28 seconds at the House of Athlete combine on March 5, and he managed to back up that number Wednesday afternoon. He also recorded a 38.5-inch vertical jump and cleared ten feet in the broad jump. It’s safe to say that he did not do any damage to his prospects with his Pro Day performance. One of the SEC’s best defensive backs this past season, Stokes is projected to be a second-round pick in next month’s draft.

Stokes (6'1/185) performed testing at former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s House of Athlete training facility where around 20 NFL Draft hopefuls have been working out. The showcase is being timed by the same company that runs the NFL Scouting Combine, so the testing numbers should be accurate. Stokes reached a max speed of 22.7 MPH and also recorded a broad jump of 131-inches. Opponents didn’t look his way very often, as the first team All SEC corner only allowed 16 receptions on 28 targets, good for a 57 percent completion rate while allowing only one touchdown and securing four interceptions. Stokes projects as a second-round pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

Stokes (6'1/185) is a long, lean cornerback who is adept at reading routes and attacking at the catch point. A sure tackler, the longest reception he allowed all season was just 18 yards. Opponents didn’t look his way very often, as the first team All SEC corner only allowed 16 receptions on 28 targets, good for a 57 percent completion rate while allowing only one touchdown and securing four interceptions. He is an aggressive defender who can match just about any receiver in the country stride-for-stride. Stokes projects as a second-third round prospect.

Stokes is a huge return for the Bulldogs. A long, lean cornerback at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Stokes does very well to read the routes of his opponents and act at the catch point. He isn’t an elite athlete, but another year of improving already impressive technique and skills could propel him into being one of next year’s top CB prospects. Stokes still has two seasons of remaining eligibility.

Stokes (6'1/185) suffered the injury during Georgia’s Sept. 21 win over Notre Dame, and the open week gave the redshirt sophomore some extra time to recover. After not practicing at all in the days following the Bulldogs’ most recent win, the cornerback appears ready to get back onto the practice field. As for his status for Saturday’s game at Tennessee, how Stokes’ knee responds will determine whether or not he’ll be able to play.

Stokes (6'1/185) is rehabbing from a lower leg injury sustained against Notre Dame on Saturday. He has not practiced during the early part of the week, but with Georgia off on bye, there’s no impetus to push the redshirt sophomore at this juncture. UGA will take on Tennessee in Week 6.

Stokes (6'1/185) sustained a lower leg injury while making a tackle in the first quarter of Saturday’s win over Notre Dame. He subsequently went to the locker room (under his own power) before returning to the sideline. The redshirt sophomore was healthy enough to retake the field on the final defensive snap of the game. With UGA off on bye this coming weekend, Stokes has a little extra time to get right before the Bulldogs dance with Tennessee on Oct. 5. His availability for that contest should clarify during the next practice week.

Adding on to Mellor’s slick stat, PFF notes that in terms of yards per coverage snap allowed last season, Stokes ranked second in the SEC among returning conference corners (Shyheim Carter of Alabama narrowly had him beat in that metric. The speedy redshirt sophomore finished the past season with 20 tackles and nine passes defensed across 13 games played. He started three of those contests. Stokes is expected to step into a starting role for the coming campaign, which figures to lead to an even more robust body of statistical work in the fall.

Stokes (6'1/185) only trails Alabama CB Shyheim Carter, but the difference in their play is marginal. What makes this feat extra impressive is the fact that Stokes did so as a redshirt freshman after coming to Georgia as a three-star recruit. When he committed to Georgia, he was labeled as an “athlete” instead of a corner, so his early-career progression is notable as we look ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft.