Could Eric Stokes add to Chicago Bears secondary in 2021 NFL Draft?

Eric Stokes was a track star in high school but used his speed on a football field to get himself to Georgia. After redshirting his freshman season, Stokes became a staple on the Georgia defense as a three-year starter at cornerback. In 2020, his play deemed him second-team All-SEC honors.

His career starts at Georgia are below.

A few weeks ago he participated In his Pro Day. You can see his athleticism and size measurements as well as how they stack up to others from past years at his position.

Traits that Eric Stokes bring to NFL

A track star with 4.25 speed is a nice start to translating to the NFL. Even with a discount for the Pro Day, Eric Stokes is clearly fast. He plays fast as well. He makes hard breaks on the football and is at his best when running stride for stride with receivers down the field.

Stokes also has experience in playing press, and off coverage as well as zone and man. The combination of experience and versatility presents a strong floor.

Where Eric Stokes can improve in NFL

Stokes has the traits to play press, but at times can miss in his initial punch and take himself out of the play. He also can show false steps at times which put him right back into recovery mode. Stokes plays tough, but is on the thin side and has lost to bigger receivers on jump balls.

Beyond that, his big questions may come against the run. PFF graded him well below average. Lastly, his physicality comes back to bite him in terms of penalties. He can get flagged for holding onto WRs. This comes from the false steps and forcing himself into recovery mode. He becomes over-reliant on his speed.

Eric Stokes NFL Comparison

Looking at his pro-day numbers, there is not a long list of cornerbacks with that kind of speed. However, his reported agility numbers came in at just about average. Looking at a list of players of similar size and athleticism, you do see some big names such as Jonathan Joseph, and Darius Slay.

While that is the upside, the best NFL comparison for Eric Stokes is Anthony Brown of the Dallas Cowboys. Browns play both inside and outside for the Cowboys. He is a fast and reliable cornerback who has just a few breakdowns in coverage per year. Brown does not win with physicality but knows when to put his hands on receivers. Overall, he has been a valuable second to fourth cornerback in the Cowboys room, and that is where Stokes could project.

Eric Stokes fit with Chicago Bears

Of the two big-name Georgia cornerbacks, Tyson Campbell appears to go higher on most boards. He would be a better fit for Chicago as well. However, Campbell may go earlier, and the Bears could certainly consider Stokes.

What helps Stokes is that he could transition to the slot and get on the field right away. There may be growing pains, but in the third round, they would have to consider him. Especially if they go offense with their first two picks.