Eagles’ Eli Stowers draft pick actually has A.J. Brown implications

Eagles’ Eli Stowers draft pick actually has A.J. Brown implications originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Eagles, if you remove A.J. Brown from their receivers room via trade, have a very small bunch of wideouts.

That's where Eli Stowers comes in.

It's not the very initial thought when you consider the tight end from Vanderbilt that the Eagles chose in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

At first, it feels like an heir to Dallas Goedert. And yes, in some ways, Stowers probably is just that.

But in his rookie season, and even beyond, he can also be something else. He can be the player Brown was in certain situations.

Stowers is listed at 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds. That's even bigger than Brown, but it's not a particularly big tight end.

Really, this is just an athletic, big wide receiver.

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Stowers was Diego Pavia's favorite target for two seasons at Vandy. He's actually a former quarterback who found TE to create an opportunity for himself at the Division I level after QB didn't work out.

It's not fair to expect Stowers to become the player Brown was for Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, especially not right away.

But it's also worth considering Stowers in the whole big picture of the Brown trade. Sure, the Eagles might have some small WRs if and when Brown is dealt. But they'll also have Stowers, another new guy, and one who might make it more tolerable to get rid of Brown from the Philly offense.