Trending Now - Eagles Draft Vanderbilt Tight End Eli Stowers in Round Two
WHO:
PhillyVoice - The Philadelphia Eagles selected Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt.
Inquirer.com - Eli Stowers is a former quarterback who transitioned to tight end.
WHAT:
PhillyVoice - Stowers had a standout game in 2024 against Alabama, recording 6 catches for 113 yards.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was noted for his ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs during his time at Vanderbilt.
Heavy NFL - Stowers was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was named a first-team All-American.
Inquirer.com - Stowers recorded a 135-inch broad jump at the NFL Combine, breaking records for tight ends.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a 30.6% rate of chunk plays (catches going for 15-plus yards) and averaged 2.43 yards per route run.
PhillyVoice - Stowers had career stats of 0 receptions for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns in 2021 and 2022 at Texas A&M as a quarterback.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was noted for having nine forced missed tackles during the 2025 season.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was described as an H-back type with a skill set similar to Evan Engram.
Heavy NFL - Eli Stowers was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets.
Inquirer.com - Stowers recorded a 45½-inch vertical leap, an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump, and ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a high rate of chunk plays, with 30.6% of his catches going for 15-plus yards, and averaged 5.9 yards after the catch.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the “Academic Heisman,” in addition to the Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end.
Inquirer.com - Stowers stated, “It’s just such a blessing to be a part of this team. It’s such a great program with so much history and a winning culture. I’m so excited.”
Heavy NFL - Eli Stowers was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a standout game in 2024 against Alabama, recording 6 catches for 113 yards.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was noted for his ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs during his time at Vanderbilt.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was described as more of a big receiver than a traditional in-line tight end at this point in his career.
PhillyVoice - Eli Stowers recorded a 135-inch broad jump at the NFL Combine, breaking records for tight ends.
Inquirer.com - Stowers stated, “Shoulder injuries made it so that I couldn’t throw the ball the same,” explaining his transition to tight end.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a high rate of chunk plays, with 30.6% of his catches going for 15-plus yards, and averaged 5.9 yards after the catch.
Inquirer.com - Eagles coach Nick Sirianni described Stowers as “a tough cover” and noted his ability to create mismatches on the field.
PhillyVoice - Eli Stowers had career stats of 35 receptions for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2023 at New Mexico State, 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024 at Vanderbilt, and 62 receptions for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025 at Vanderbilt.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the “Academic Heisman,” in addition to the Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end.
PhillyVoice - The Eagles selected Eli Stowers with the 54th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns in the 2025 season at Vanderbilt.
Inquirer.com - Stowers was named a first-team All-American.
Inquirer.com - Stowers recorded a 45½-inch vertical leap, an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump, and ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a 30.6% rate of chunk plays (catches going for 15-plus yards) and averaged 2.43 yards per route run.
WHERE:
PhillyVoice - Eli Stowers played college football at Vanderbilt University.
Inquirer.com - Stowers began his college career at Texas A&M, then transferred to New Mexico State before moving to Vanderbilt.
WHEN:
PhillyVoice - The Eagles selected Stowers on April 25th, 2026.
Inquirer.com - Stowers played tight end for three seasons after transitioning from quarterback.
WHY:
Inquirer.com - The Eagles had short- and long-term needs at wide receiver and tight end entering the draft.
Inquirer.com - Stowers transitioned to tight end to get on the field after losing the starting quarterback position at New Mexico State.
HOW:
Inquirer.com - Stowers stated, “pretty much everything is new to me” with the tight end position. “Every single part of the tight end game is something I want to continue to get better at.”
Inquirer.com - Stowers stated, “Every single part of the tight end game is something I want to continue to get better at.”
Inquirer.com - Stowers mentioned that he learned the tight end position by watching film and studying players like Dallas Goedert.
Inquirer.com - Stowers had a formal interview with the Eagles at the NFL Combine, where he showcased his elite athleticism with a 4.51 40-yard dash, a 45½-inch vertical leap, and an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump.
Inquirer.com - Stowers mentioned that he learned the tight end position by watching film and studying players like Dallas Goedert.
Inquirer.com - Stowers stated, “It’s just such a blessing to be a part of this team. It’s such a great program with so much history and a winning culture. I’m so excited.”
Inquirer.com - Stowers learned the tight end position by watching film and studying players like Dallas Goedert.
Inquirer.com - Stowers expressed a desire to improve in all aspects of the tight end game, stating, “pretty much everything is new to me.”
(UPDATED April 26, 2026 05:47 UTC)
In a standout performance against Alabama in 2024, Stowers recorded six catches for 113 yards, showcasing his ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs during his time at Vanderbilt. Recently, he was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets, and Stowers also made headlines at the NFL Combine with a record-breaking 135-inch broad jump. Stowers expressed his eagerness to improve, stating, “pretty much everything is new to me” with the tight end position, emphasizing his commitment to mastering every aspect of the game.
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(UPDATED April 26, 2026 04:05 UTC)
Stowers, who had no receptions, yards, or touchdowns during his time as a quarterback at Texas A&M in 2021 and 2022, has made a notable impact in the 2025 season by forcing nine missed tackles. Described as an H-back type with a skill set akin to Evan Engram, Stowers is eager to improve his game, stating, “Every single part of the tight end game is something I want to continue to get better at.” His transition from quarterback to tight end showcases his versatility and determination on the field.
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(UPDATED April 26, 2026 01:22 UTC)
Eli Stowers was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets. At the NFL Combine, Stowers impressed with a 45½-inch vertical leap, an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump, and a 4.51 40-yard dash, while also showcasing a high rate of chunk plays with 30.6% of his catches going for 15-plus yards. Stowers, who received the William V. Campbell Trophy and the Mackey Award, expressed his excitement about joining a team with a rich history and a winning culture, stating, “It’s just such a blessing to be a part of this team.”
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 21:10 UTC)
Eli Stowers was the second tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked in Round 1 by the Jets. Stowers, known for his standout performance against Alabama in 2024 where he recorded six catches for 113 yards, has been recognized for his ability to create mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs during his time at Vanderbilt. At the NFL Combine, he impressed teams, including the Eagles, with his elite athleticism, clocking a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, a 45½-inch vertical leap, and an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump.
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 15:11 UTC)
Eli Stowers made headlines at the NFL Combine by recording an impressive 135-inch broad jump, setting a new record for tight ends. Stowers, who transitioned to tight end due to shoulder injuries that affected his throwing, showcased his skills with a remarkable 30.6% of his catches resulting in chunk plays of 15 yards or more, while averaging 5.9 yards after the catch. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised Stowers as “a tough cover,” highlighting his ability to create mismatches on the field, a skill he developed by studying players like Dallas Goedert.
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 11:11 UTC)
Eli Stowers has made a significant impact on the field, finishing his college career with impressive stats that include 62 receptions for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025 at Vanderbilt, following earlier seasons at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt. His achievements have earned him the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," along with the Mackey Award for the nation's top tight end. Stowers expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s just such a blessing to be a part of this team. It’s such a great program with so much history and a winning culture. I’m so excited.”
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 09:13 UTC)
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt, with the 54th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Stowers, a former quarterback who transitioned to tight end, had an impressive college career, recording 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns last season, along with a remarkable 45½-inch vertical leap at the NFL Combine. As the Eagles address their needs at wide receiver and tight end, Stowers is eager to improve his game, admitting that “pretty much everything is new to me.”