The Green Bay Packers have two electric players vying for the same position.
While much has been written about the battle for Green Bay's backup QB role, a more fierce competition is happening at cornerback between Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine.
Who will land the second starting cornerback job across from All-Pro Jaire Alexander? As a recent report from Zone Coverage's Dan Saia observes, the competition is about as close as they come.
"Former first-round pick Eric Stokes and last year’s Cinderella story Carrington Valentine will face off to see who will become Green Bay’s CB2, and there will be fireworks," Saia said. "Both are making strong cases in their quest for the gig."
"Stokes entered camp as the presumptive favorite to win the job due to his draft status as a former first-round pick in 2021. ... Stokes was outstanding in 2021, playing in 16 games with 14 starts as a rookie. ...Unfortunately, injuries piled up, and Stokes ended up starting only nine games in 2022. ... Injuries continued to derail Stokes’ season last year. Due to hamstring issues, he only suited up for three contests."
Whereas Stokes looks to be the presumed starter as of now in Green Bay, Valentine is putting immense pressure on the Packers to give him the role instead. Valentine has done nothing but overachieve and produce since being drafted by Green Bay out of Kentucky last year.
"The 2023 seventh-round draft choice out of the University of Kentucky will not just hand the job over to Stokes," Saia said. "There might not have been a more impressive rookie on the defensive side of the ball in all of football in 2023."
"Valentine played in all 17 games as a rookie. He made 12 starts, recorded 42 tackles (32 solo), had nine passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. ... He also started both postseason contests, recording 12 tackles (nine solo)."
"After playing all of 2023 at 180 lbs., Valentine added 20 lbs. of muscle (this offseason) ... That should help him play more physical football in this new defensive scheme."
The Valentine-Stokes war will be fascinating to monitor. Ultimately, both players are going to see significant time on the gridiron, especially considering the risk of injury in the National Football League.
