Eli Stowers enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the more unique 'F' weapons in the class, bringing versatility, athleticism, and production from a non-traditional path.
A transfer from New Mexico State to Vanderbilt, Stowers quickly became the focal point of the Commodores’ passing offense this fall, emerging as a constant matchup problem in the middle of the field. Let's dive into the tape that paints an intriguing picture for an athlete at a position that continues to evolve.
Notes:
Height: 6034 (verified in-season)
Weight: 239 (verified in-season)
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.62–4.70
Recruiting: Three-star recruit. Originally signed with Texas A&M before transferring to New Mexico State and later Vanderbilt.
College Production: 62 receptions, 769 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns during the 2025 season. Primary offensive weapon in Vanderbilt’s passing attack.
Positives:
- Good, not great, overall athleticism with receiver-like movement skills for the position.
- Natural hands catcher who adjusts well to throws outside his frame.
- Effective route runner against linebackers and safeties. Understands spacing and leverage.
- Can be deployed inline, in the slot, or as an H-back.
- Creative runner after the catch -- runs with balance and vision once the ball is secured.
- Competitive effort as a blocker. Willing to engage despite average size.
Stowers profiles as a modern receiving tight end who can create mismatches through alignment and route diversity. His production at Vanderbilt reflects his ability to function as a primary read rather than a complementary piece, and in the right offense, he can be a reliable chain-mover and red-zone contributor.
Negatives:
- Lacks prototypical bulk and play strength for consistent inline blocking.
- Anchor strength is limited against bigger edge defenders.
- Does not possess elite top-end speed to consistently threaten vertically.
- May need to be schemed free rather than winning purely in isolation.
Stowers’ limitations are largely role-based. He is best utilized in space as part of a creative offensive design rather than as a traditional Y tight end. Teams expecting heavy inline blocking responsibilities will need to temper expectations early, and could limit his snap count.
Eli Stowers NFL Player Comparison: Dalton Schultz
The comparison is based on usage profile, athletic traits, and reliability as a receiver. Like Schultz, Stowers wins with route awareness, hands, and toughness rather than overwhelming physical traits, projecting as a dependable target in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
Eli Stowers NFL Draft Grade: Mid Day 2
Stowers’ 2025 production, versatility, and receiving polish make him a strong mid–Day 2 candidate. Expect him to carve out an early role as a matchup tight end with starter upside in a pass-focused offense. Broncos, Buccaneers, Eagles, Commanders are all potential fits.