Eagles Select Eli Stowers at 54th in NFL Draft Results
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a strategic move in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt, with the 54th overall pick. This decision reflects the team’s need for depth at the tight end position, particularly as they look toward a future beyond the current season.
Eagles Strengthen Tight End Position
With Dallas Goedert as the current starting tight end, Stowers is expected to fill the role of TE2. He will join a tight end group that includes Grant Calcaterra, Johnny Mundt, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins, Stone Smartt, and Jaheim Bell.
Profile of Eli Stowers
- Age: 23
- College: Vanderbilt
- Draft Position: 54th overall
- Consensus Big Board Rank: 58th
Stowers is recognized for his strong receiving skills, but he has shown limitations in blocking. While his value as a pass-catcher is significant, the Eagles faced challenges in the previous season with tight ends who struggled in blocking roles. Coaches will need to develop a clear strategy for deploying Stowers effectively.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Stowers stands out as an explosive athlete with impressive ball skills and route-running abilities. Here are some of his key attributes:
- Outstanding catch radius
- Strong run-after-catch ability
- Speed to challenge linebackers downfield
However, there are aspects of his game that require improvement. His route running and contested catch skills need refinement. Additionally, his size and blocking capabilities limit his role, especially on early downs.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles’ decision to draft Stowers indicates a trend towards using multiple tight ends in their offensive schemes. As teams increasingly integrate two- and three-tight-end sets, having a versatile receiving option like Stowers could be a significant asset. Coach insights suggest skepticism regarding his blocking skills, but the potential as a pass-catching threat could prove invaluable.
As the Eagles continue to shape their roster, the impact of Stowers’ selection will unfold in the coming season, setting the stage for his development in the NFL.
