The Philadelphia Eagles added to their offense by selecting tight end Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to Philadelphia Eagles. Stowers, a 6-foot-3, 239-pound player, joins a group that includes Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and others.

Stowers’ College and Draft Performance

Stowers played five seasons of college football, starting at Texas A&M before a year at New Mexico State and finishing his career at Vanderbilt, according to Philadelphia Eagles. In 2024, he recorded 638 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Last season, he had 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He also set tight end Combine records in broad jump (11 feet, 3 inches) and vertical jump (45.5 inches).

Stowers earned first-team All-American honors and won the Mackey Award. He also won the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman, according to Philadelphia Eagles.

Analysis of the Pick

Delawareonline.com graded the selection as a B, noting that Stowers possesses elite athleticism for a tight end and has good hands and understanding of defenses. However, the site also mentioned that his undersized frame may be a drawback when it comes to blocking against larger defenders.

Stowers could potentially be the replacement for Dallas Goedert, who was also a second-round pick in 2018, according to Delawareonline.com. The Eagles previously selected Eagles great Zach Ertz in the second round in 2013.

Reactions to the Pick

Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman praised Stowers’ unique skill set and high football IQ. Roseman said, “I think when you find guys that have unique skill sets, and we have a lot of confidence in our coaches and our staff to develop players, especially when they have high football IQ and high character, and we know they’re tough. I mean, it’s exciting,” according to Philadelphia Eagles.

Head Coach Nick Sirianni highlighted Stowers’ athletic ability and versatility. Sirianni said, “The guy is super talented. Athletically, he does some things that nobody else can do. Just to be able to create mismatches with him on third downs and first and second down situations, he is a tough cover. [He] catches everything, good after the catch, [has] speed, quickness. So really excited to have him,” according to Philadelphia Eagles.

Stowers expressed his excitement about joining the Eagles. He said, “It’s just such a blessing to be a part of this team. Such a great program with so much history, and it’s such a winning culture,” according to Philadelphia Eagles.