Eli Stowers brings an intriguing skill set with him to the Philadelphia Eagles. A former quarterback who offers a high football IQ, excellent athleticism, natural instincts, and positional versatility that make him a difficult matchup for linebackers and safeties.
His development over the summer will dictate how much he contributes in his rookie season, but the ceiling is high for the tight end!
Eli’s receiving ability is his calling card. Stowers is an above-average fluid route runner who demonstrates reliable hands, the ability to separate on his own (he doesnt need to be schemed open), and he has shown the speed to stretch defenses vertically.
Stowers’ ability to line up as an inline TE, in the slot, or detached out wide will give the new Sean Mannion offense the flexibility in how it deploys him.
According to stats via TruMedia, Stowers posted a 56.3% success rate versus man coverage during his college career. He also caught 16 of 25 red-zone targets, highlighting his ability to win in tight spaces and giving a glimpse of how valuable he can be when the offense gets inside the twenty.
Eli also has the skill set to dominate between the twenties. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he has proven explosive, showing off his YAC ability and a propensity to create chunk plays.
The question most doubters have when discussing concerns regarding Stowers is his blocking.
Stowers was a functional blocker at Vanderbilt, but not a player who consistently moved defenders at the point of attack. He will need to improve his functional strength in the NFL and sell the run when he is on the field.
Eli has enough willingness as a blocker to keep defenses honest, but will need to be more physical. His progression and development in this area will determine how fast and often he can get on the field, but the future seems bright.
Philadelphia appears to have landed an ideal schematic fit. Stowers’ size, athletic profile, and versatility align well with the Eagles’ offensive philosophy.
Eli was drafted to eventually succeed Dallas Goedert as the primary receiving tight end, though Goedert remains the clear TE1 entering the 2026 season.
Stowers’ impact may be limited early while he develops, but his long-term ceiling is significant once the Eagles fully utilize his receiving traits. And many people believe he will quickly realize his talents.
Eagles Assistant Director of Pro Scouting Lee DiValerio identified Stowers as his “Red Star” player during the 2026 NFL Draft process. Another example of how many people in the organization value him highly and how promising his future is.
Stowers projects to eventually be a dynamic receiving tight end with legitimate mismatch ability.
His football intelligence, vertical speed, strong hands, and excellent run-after-catch ability give him elite athletic upside and the tools to become a major weapon in Philadelphia’s offense.
With many new faces on offense and a new offensive philosophy, it will be exciting to see how the Eagles develop and use his skills in the new system.
For the first time since year one in Sirianni’s tenure as Head Coach, the offense has a new identity. Eli Stowers has the opportunity to play a big role in that new direction.
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