The Las Vegas Raiders made bold moves this offseason by relying on young talent rather than signing high-profile veterans. This fresh approach saw the team focus heavily on the draft, bringing in new faces like Isaiah Pola-Mao, Kyu Blu Kelly, Jeremy Chinn, and Eric Stokes to strengthen their defense. While Pola-Mao and Kelly’s performances have been inconsistent, Chinn and Stokes are proving to be valuable additions.
Eric Stokes, in particular, has emerged as a standout player in the Raiders’ secondary. Despite an average overall Pro Football Focus grade of 59.1, he’s shown significant improvement in recent weeks. From allowing five catches on seven targets in Week 1, Stokes has refined his game, giving up only a single catch on four targets over the last two weeks. His recent performances, which included lowering his opposing passer rating to 73.3, mark him as a rising star in the defense.
Looking ahead, Stokes faces a challenging matchup against the Chicago Bears, who boast a formidable trio of wide receivers: Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Luther Burden III. These receivers have been instrumental in the Bears’ offensive success, with Odunze leading the charge with 16 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns in just three games. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll acknowledges the threat posed by Odunze but remains confident in Stokes’ ability to meet the challenge.
Carroll expressed faith in Stokes, praising his consistent performance and potential. Highlighting Stokes as the team’s top cornerback, Carroll noted, “He’s challenged everything when he had his opportunities, and he’s got his wins… There’s nothing that he can’t do. I think he can really blossom into a terrific football player for us.”
The Raiders’ strategic investments in youth and potential seem to be paying off, offering hope and excitement for the team’s defense this season, particularly with players like Eric Stokes making a strong impact.