Eli Stowers Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Miguel Beristain/Hustler Multimedia)

School: Vanderbilt

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: TE

HT: 6’4

WT: 235 lbs

Background: Eli Stowers is a well-traveled tight end originally from Denton, Texas. Stowers was actually recruited as a quarterback from Guyer High School. He was a top 20 quarterback in the class of 2021 and a top 200 player nationally. He was a second team all-state selection as a junior and led Guyer to the championship game. He was a first team all-state selection as a senior. He also competed in the high jump in high school, winning the 2019 Texas 6A state title. Eli Stowers committed to Texas A&M over Oregon, Auburn, and Mississippi State.

College: Over the span of two years at Texas A&M, Stowers appeared in 5 games. Ahead of the 2023 season, Stowers transferred to New Mexico State and switched to tight end. He was an honorable mention All-Conference USA selection after catching 35 passes for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a grad transfer, Stowers took his talents to Vanderbilt. He was an All-SEC First Team selection after recording 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2025, Stowers was an All-American and First Team All-SEC selection. He was also the Mackey Award winner, given to the nation’s best tight end. These accolades come after Stowers posted 62 receptions for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Strengths: Eli Stowers has elite vertical speed relative to the tight end position. Whether he is in the slot or on the line of scrimmage, Stowers’ threat in the deep areas of the field has to be recognized. As many former quarterbacks, Stowers has a heightened feel for defensive coverages and general football IQ. Stowers shows fluidity in his movement throughout his route. He creates separation with a change of tempo that seems to just shake the defender off of him. His speed and elusiveness translates directly to production after the catch. He is efficient in completing the process of the catch and turning up the field to gash the defense with his legs. So often he can be found in a weak spot of the defense, waiting for the football in order to do something after the catch.

Weaknesses: Stowers needs to add 10-15 pounds of muscle to his frame to be able to keep up with the physicality of the NFL. He seems to be uncomfortable as a blocker with his current size. He overextends himself and misses his strike far too often. He does not have the strength to handle edge rushers in a phonebooth.

Conclusion: Eli Stowers is a speedy wide receiver who can take the top off the defense. He still has plenty of untapped potential and room to grow as a tight end as he switched to the position in college. Adding muscle will make that transition much smoother.

Best Team Fits: NYG, DEN, HOU

Player Comparison: Evan Engram

Player Grade: Round 2 (80.7)