Pros and cons of Eagles picking Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers in 2026 NFL Draft

Eli Stowers scouting report

Stowers is a proven and polished pass-catcher who was Vanderbilt's top target in his two years there. He has 1,773 receiving yards between Vanderbilt and New Mexico State. He was a reliable red-zone threat who could also occasionally take the ball on end-around plays or throw the ball on trick plays.

Where teams have questions about him is as a blocker. The Commodores tended to use multiple-tight end formations in their offensive scheme, with Stowers being asked to serve as a pass-catcher and other tight ends functioning as blockers. Vanderbilt's coaching staff has said that Stowers' lack of run blocking was because he wasn't asked to do it in the Commodores' scheme. He has had injuries in the past, though he was largely healthy throughout his Vanderbilt career.

Eli Stowers stats at Vanderbilt

Eli Stowers played two seasons at Vanderbilt. In 2025, he had his most productive season, playing in 12 games and catching 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns. In his career, including one year at New Mexico State, he has 146 catches for 1,773 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Eli Stowers highlights

Eli Stowers height

Eli Stowers is 6-foot-3¾.

Eli Stowers weight

Eli Stowers is 239 pounds.

Eli Stowers combine results

Eli Stowers had a 45.5-inch vertical jump, an 11.3-foot broad jump and ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash.

Stowers' vertical jump was the highest ever recorded for a tight end at the NFL combine.

Eli Stowers college

Eli Stowers attended Texas A&M, then transferred to and graduated from New Mexico State. He then attended Vanderbilt as a grad transfer.

Eli Stowers high school

Eli Stowers attended Denton Guyer High School in Denton, Texas.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Eli Stowers draft, Eagles pick Vanderbilt TE in NFL draft second round