FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Eli Stowers
Eli Stowers (TE – Vanderbilt)
6’4″ – 235 lbs.
Background
High-school quarterback who originally attended Texas A&M, spending two years in a reserve role before transferring to New Mexico St. in 2023. Caught 35-366-2 (10.5) while also rushing 29-125-2 (4.2) and throwing a touchdown on one of his eight passing attempts before transferring to Vanderbilt and posting 49-638-5 (13.0) in 2024. This past season, improved on that with a 62-769-4 (12.4) line.
Positives
Only converted to tight end in college, but has quickly developed into a highly productive player. At Vanderbilt, was one of two tight ends to play regular snaps (Cole Spence being the other), typically lined up as an H-Back or in the slot. Shows good range and effort as a blocker in space; was often asked to block across the formation (from motion or pulling), and did a lot of stalk-blocking as well, with the natural athleticism to reach opponents. Gives a good effort to get his feet churning and stay engaged through the whistle. Blocking responsibilities increased significantly at Vanderbilt, and looked more comfortable handling those duties as well. Impressive athlete with good suddenness to his game, allowing him to release at the line of scrimmage on passing downs. Sells routes well at the stem and has a good feel for how to create windows and stack defenders despite only three years of playing time as a tight end. Has the speed to threaten defenses down the seams, and could be an athletic mismatch for bigger linebackers. Offers a reliable pair of hands, with just two career drops. Natural runner with a dual-threat quarterback background, and can make defenders miss in space; yards after the catch account for over half of his career total.
Negatives
Frame is on the thin side for a pro tight end, so he may be asked to add some additional bulk and functional strength at the next level. Not the most powerful blocker, and could struggle to hold the point or create movement as an inline option. Can occasionally struggle to get his feet going again once he settles into a spot as a blocker, leading to trouble sustaining. Has virtually no career experience in pass protection aside from the occasional snap. Primarily served as a safety valve, with a lot of his yardage coming after the catch. Struggled to make contested catches throughout his career, and may not have the type of thick frame to consistently box out opponents.
Summary
One of the more impressive athletes at tight end in this year’s class, he is relatively new to the position but has made significant strides year-on-year, proving that he can produce against SEC competition over the past two seasons. In terms of his suddenness, quickness, and speed, almost looks more like a big wide receiver, with relatively sophisticated route-running skills, a reliable pair of hands, and the ability to create after the catch. While he may never be the most dominant blocker, he has the range and agility to line up opponents in space when pulling or stalking. Projects as a flex tight end/big slot who could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3
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