stokes was selected with the first round (tenth overall pick) of the 1995 nfl draft by the san francisco 49ers, and he played for the 49ers from to . the 49ers traded up 20 spots to the no. 10 pick in the first round of the draft to select stokes. after a slow start to his rookie season, the former bruin ultimately netted 38 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns, the last of which was tossed by jerry rice.