Eli Stowers

The big question for Stowers is how much his blocking will hinder him as a full-time player in the NFL. With the NFL moving toward higher usage of 12/13 personnel, is Stowers a player whose receiving ability forces teams to feature him in an every-down role, or will he be capped as a 50-60% route per dropback player? Stowers can function as a passable inline blocking option currently, but his technique has to improve in the NFL. He won't be a player that an offensive coordinator is expecting to operate as a pulling or lead blocker in the run game, or someone who is holding a pass rusher at bay for 4-5 seconds on a passing play. Stowers plays through contact during routes well and in contested catch situations. He has smooth hips and change-of-direction ability. He has the speed to threaten a defense down the seam while also flashing good ball tracking. Stowers flashes high-end route-running chops at times, but he has to improve his play-to-play consistency in this realm. With some routes, you'll see the route nuance with jab steps, taking advantage of a defender's leverage, and sharp footwork at the top of a stem, but he'll also string together plays where the salesmanship is lacking and inefficient footwork at the top of his stem, where defenders are in his back pocket. Stowers has to continue to improve his release package, hand-fighting, and route running if he's going to be an option as a mismatch weapon on the perimeter. He can get open against physical zone coverage when dealing with defenders with built-up steam, but corners pressing him at the line can hang him up. He has the athleticism and play strength to improve in this area, but it's growth that will need to take place in the NFL to actualize his true ceiling. Dynasty Outlook: The Eagles drafted Eli Stowers in the second round of the NFL Draft wth the 54th overall pick. He is the heir apparent to Dallas Goedert, who is back with the team on a one-year deal. Stowers, with this landing spot and strong draft capital, has vaulted to my TE1 in rookie drafts. I'll look to draft him at the back end of the first round in all formats.

The Philadelphia Eagles have selected TE Eli Stowers with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Stowers, a converted quarterback, set NFL Combine records for a tight end in the broad jump (11' 3") and the vertical jump (45.5"). In his two seasons at Vanderbilt, the Commodores found different ways to get him the ball. He also ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the Combine, so yards after the catch should be a plus for him as well. Stowers plays more like a wide receiver than a tight end as he will need to improve on his blocking. TE Dallas Goedert appears to be nearing the end of a very good tenure in Philadelphia, so Stowers could be the Eagles' tight end of the future.