Patriots Predicted To Reach For SEC Standout On Night One Of NFL Draft
TL;DR
The New England Patriots are predicted to select Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers with their 31st pick in the NFL Draft. Analyst Chad Reuter highlights Stowers' athletic profile as reminiscent of past first-round tight ends.
Key points
- Patriots predicted to select Eli Stowers with 31st pick
- Eli Stowers is a tight end from Vanderbilt
- Chad Reuter highlights Stowers' athletic profile
- Stowers' style resembles Noah Fant and Evan Engram
- Patriots need a receiving tight end to replace Austin Hooper
Mentioned in this story
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers
Patriots Predicted To Reach For SEC Standout On Night One Of NFL Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter recently published a seven-round mock draft, indicating that the Patriots are poised to make an exciting selection with their 31st pick. Reuter predicted that New England will choose Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers.
"I won't be surprised if a team selects Stowers in Round 1, given his athletic profile, which reminds me of past first-round TEs Noah Fant and Evan Engram," Reuter wrote on Friday. "The Patriots could use a receiving tight end to replace Austin Hooper."
If the Patriots select Stowers at No. 31, it will raise eyebrows, as many draft analysts do not even have him in their top 50.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler released his draft guide, "The Beast," on April 8, ranking Stowers as the 63rd overall player in the draft.
"Stowers will need to prove himself as a serviceable blocker at the NFL level, but he is explosive as a pass catcher, and I love the way he maximizes his catch radius," Brugler wrote. "He has mismatch-creating potential and can eventually develop into an NFL starter."
If the Patriots are considering selecting Stowers with their first pick, it might be more beneficial for them to trade back into the early second round and then draft the tight end.
More NFL: Former Patriots Quarterback Reportedly Skipping Start Of Offseason Program
Q&A
Who is Eli Stowers and why is he a top NFL Draft prospect?
Eli Stowers is a tight end from Vanderbilt known for his impressive athletic profile, making him a strong candidate for selection in the NFL Draft.
What pick do the Patriots have in the upcoming NFL Draft?
The New England Patriots hold the 31st pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Which tight ends does Eli Stowers' playing style resemble?
Eli Stowers' playing style is compared to past first-round tight ends Noah Fant and Evan Engram.
