Eli Stowers NFL Draft Scouting Report

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports for all of this year's top prospects.

Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers is one of the top tight ends in this year's class, with an impressive blend of athleticism and versatility that should make him a mismatch nightmare at the next level. After a strong performance at this year's NFL Scouting Combine, Stowers should be a lock to come off the board on Day 2.

Here's everything NFL fans need to know about Stowers heading into this year's draft:

Eli Stowers' Vitals

Height: 6-4

Weight: 235

Age: 22

Eli Stowers' Strengths

Good luck covering this guy with linebackers and safeties. Stowers is a consistent big-play threat who can attack down the seams, and he can create separation with sharp routes that stress opposing defenders who can’t hang with his combination of size and athleticism. He’s dangerous after the catch, using that same explosiveness to take quick throws and turn them into huge gains. He’s shown the ability to take over games and put up huge numbers (seven receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns vs. Texas, 12 receptions for 122 yards vs. Auburn), proving he can be the primary option in the passing game. Stowers has flashed a knack for making highlight-reel catches, even in traffic over the middle. 

Eli Stowers' Weaknesses

The Commodores lined Stowers up in-line plenty, but while he’s willing to lend a hand as a blocker, he lacks the mass and strength to truly make a significant impact in that area of his game. That won’t get easier against NFL defenders, which likely limits his role to being a pure pass-catcher at the next level. While the acrobatic catches are impressive, Stowers dropped too many catchable passes for a tight end prospect who is primarily a receiving threat.

Final Analysis

He might not be a fit for every NFL offense, but Stowers’ combination of size and athleticism gives him a ton of potential in a pass-happy offense that will let him loose as a downfield matchup weapon. He still needs to cut down on the head-scratching drops, but if his hands can become more consistent, Stowers has the physical tools and playmaking ability to be a star in the right situation.

2026 NFL Draft Projection: Day 2 (2nd/3rd Round)