Five questions with Acme Packing Company about the Raiders’ new CB
Heading into free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders were expected to add some talent to their cornerback room. So, general manager John Spytek signed former first-round pick Eric Stokes from the Green Bay Packers on the open market.
Silver and Black Pride reached out to our friends at Acme Packing Company and Justis Mosqueda was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Raiders’ new corner.
Q: Why did the Packers allow Stokes to walk in free agency?
A: I don’t think they were really interested in bringing him back. The plan last year was to let Stokes be the starter at outside cornerback opposite of Jaire Alexander because they wanted to give him a chance after a series of significant injuries. Stokes ended up being a rotating player at outside cornerback with Carrington Valentine until Valentine won the job outright.
With Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Valentine on the roster — not including whatever happens with Alexander — Stokes would have been at best their fourth or fifth option as an outside cornerback. They’re playing safety Javon Bullard in the slot so that’s not including that position. I’m just not sure there was much interest, considering that Stokes wasn’t really a contributor on special teams.
Q: What led to Stokes getting benched last season?
A: Performance! Jeff Hafley’s scheme used a lot of deception toward the end of the season and Stokes’ athleticism is pretty linear. He can run in a straight line but he’s not great in a backpedal or having to move side to side.
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
I don’t believe that Stokes has had an interception or pass breakup since his rookie season. He showed a lot of promise early on in his career and then a sophomore slump coupled with serious injuries really derailed his progress.
Q: What can Stokes bring to a defense if he lives up to his potential?
A: I think if you play a Cover 3 or Cover 4 heavy scheme, he can do a good job of covering the sidelines. You don’t really want him covering double moves because of his change of direction ability, but if his job is to solely keep a receiver from burning the defense over the top he can get that done.
Q: What would you say Stokes’ biggest flaw is?
A: It’s for sure his change of direction and his injury history. If he can somehow get some of the 2021 season magic back (one interception and 14 passes defended), he could be a diamond in the rough. With that being said, that was a long time ago.
Q: Finally, what do you think Stokes’ floor and ceiling are for the rest of his career?
A: I think his floor is a backup who can only play outside cornerback and doesn’t contribute much on special teams. It would be interesting to see if that’s worth a roster spot. I’m pretty surprised at the deal he signed. I wasn’t sure he was going to get another shot in the NFL, but Kevin King signed with the Atlanta Falcons last year so I guess there’s always a market!
Stokes’ ceiling is probably a decent starter in a scheme that is sort of built around his strengths, as I mentioned before. He’d need to stay healthy and take a step toward getting back to the player he was four years ago to hit that, though.