The Vanderbilt tight end becomes the first Commodore drafted in the top two rounds since 2021
Category: Sports
PHILADELPHIA — Eli Stowers, a standout tight end from Vanderbilt University, was selected 54th in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles on April 24, 2026. Stowers is the first Commodore to be drafted in the first two rounds since Dayo Odeyingbo was picked 54th in 2021.
This selection marks a key moment for the Eagles as they aim to bolster their offensive lineup. Stowers, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 239 pounds, is anticipated to bring a dynamic presence to the tight end position, particularly as the team prepares for life after veteran Dallas Goedert, who is currently on a one-year contract.
Stowers enjoyed a remarkable collegiate career, earning the John Mackey Award in 2025, which is awarded to the nation’s top tight end. His accolades also include first-team All-SEC honors for both 2024 and 2025, and he was named a consensus All-American last season. Throughout his time at Vanderbilt, he recorded an impressive total of 111 receptions for 1,407 yards and 11 touchdowns.
After starting his college career as a quarterback at Texas A&M, injuries prompted Stowers to switch positions. He transferred to New Mexico State before joining Vanderbilt in 2024, where he quickly established himself as a leading receiver. In his first season with the Commodores, he caught 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns, followed by a standout performance in 2025 where he led all tight ends nationally with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns.
Stowers' transition from quarterback to tight end has been remarkable, considering he was originally a four-star recruit at Texas A&M. After limited playtime there, he moved to New Mexico State and then to Vanderbilt, where he thrived under the guidance of offensive coordinator Tim Beck and quarterback Diego Pavia. His ability to adapt and excel in a new role demonstrates his versatility and work ethic, which have been highlighted throughout his college career.
Notably, Stowers has also been recognized for his academic prowess, winning the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," which honors college football players who excel academically and athletically. This combination of on-field performance and academic achievement adds to his appeal as a player who can contribute both on and off the field.
Stowers' performance at the NFL Combine solidified his standing as a top prospect. He set positional records with an impressive 45.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump, alongside running a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. These athletic feats have drawn comparisons to other successful tight ends in the league, raising expectations for his potential impact on the Eagles' offense.
As the Eagles continue to build their roster, Stowers is expected to compete for a prominent role in the tight end rotation alongside Goedert, who has been a reliable target for the team. With Goedert's future uncertain, Stowers is viewed as a long-term solution for the position, providing the Eagles with a promising option to develop into a starter.
Stowers’ immediate challenge will be to improve his blocking skills, an area where he has been noted to need development. NFL analysts have pointed out that he may be undersized as a blocker compared to larger defenders, but his agility and receiving skills make him a valuable asset in the passing game. The Eagles' coaching staff, including tight ends coach Ryan Mahaffey, will focus on refining his blocking technique to maximize his effectiveness on the field.
With the Eagles having also selected wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round, the team is clearly prioritizing offensive firepower. Lemon and Stowers are seen as key components in reshaping the Eagles' attack, potentially creating mismatches that could exploit opposing defenses. As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike closely to see how Stowers integrates into the team's offensive scheme.
In the coming months, Stowers will have the opportunity to showcase his skills during training camp and preseason games. His ability to adapt to the professional level will be closely monitored, especially as he competes against established players like Goedert and Grant Calcaterra for playing time.
As the Eagles gear up for the 2026 season, Stowers’ selection reflects the team’s commitment to enhancing their offensive capabilities and signals a new chapter in the franchise’s tight end history. The Eagles are hopeful that Stowers can replicate the success of past tight ends like Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, who have made substantial contributions to the team's offensive strategies.
Setting his sights on a successful rookie season, Stowers is eager to prove himself and contribute to the Eagles' quest for a championship. With the NFL Draft behind him, the focus now shifts to training camp, where he aims to make a strong impression and secure his place on the roster.