The Eagles drafted Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers in the 2nd round (No. 54 overall) in 2026, continuing their pattern of selecting elite tight ends in early rounds after past successes with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. While Stowers has standout athletic traits, analysts cautioned he isn’t a reliable inline blocker at the pro level, with questions about his strength and route-running development. The move drew mixed evaluations, with some praise for his combine numbers and potential, though one analyst gave the pick a low grade, noting the lack of immediate inline value. Stowers drew early comparisons to top players like Brock Bowers and even wide receivers in terms of size and speed, and ESPN insiders had correctly predicted the pick. With Goedert still on the roster for 2026, Stowers could offer significant financial savings on a rookie deal if he develops, though his upside remains a subject of debate. 🏈✨🤔
