During the 2026 NFL Draft, many experts wondered what the Philadelphia Eagles would do on offense, with the team clearly trying to set up the future well across most positions.
Makai Lemon got the most attention in the first round as the Eagles selected him to replace A.J. Brown after his trade, but picking second-round tight end Eli Stowers was even more fascinating, as he is expected to replace Dallas Goedert after the 2026 season. Eagles Wire's Glenn Erby thinks Stowers could have a massive impact in 2026, as he was named one of the seven players whose roles might change in training camp even though they are backups or secondary players.
"Stowers is not being asked to replace Goedert immediately, but the rookie tight end could change how Philadelphia structures its tight end position," Erby said. "He also brings rare athletic traits, including a 45½-inch vertical leap, a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, and an 11-foot-3 broad jump. If Stowers proves he can handle blocking, protections, and route adjustments, he could push for the TE2 job and give the Eagles another mismatch piece in the passing game."
Eli Stowers has the opportunity to come in and help the offense in 2026
Over the last two years at Vanderbilt, Stowers has put up some good numbers at Vanderbilt, proving he's one of the best tight ends in the nation. In 2024, he went for 638 receiving yards and five touchdowns and then followed that up with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns last season. He was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection, John Mackey Award winner for the nation's top tight end last year, and a unanimous All-American in 2025.
The speed that Stowers possesses is something Eagles fans have never seen at the tight end position before. They have had a good run in recent years of stellar players at the position, with Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, and Goedert being the most recent within the last decade. Stowers is completely different from those guys, as the rookie's speed is actually good enough that the Eagles could line him up on the outside as a receiver and do well.
Having that kind of weapon really opens up the new-look Eagles offense and gives Sean Mannion a completely different type of pass catcher. This will give Mannion the freedom to move Stowers around as a mismatch in coverage from tight end, outside receiver, or even in the slot, going up against a safety or linebacker he can outsize and outrun.
One concern with Stowers right now is that he is off to a very quiet start to his NFL career. No one really reported on how he performed at OTAs, leading many to believe he had no highlight plays in those three weeks. This doesn't indicate that he's going to be a bust, but Eagles fans heard much more about the other rookies than about Stowers.
Read more: Dramatic changes on offense's impact on Eagles in 2026 season
If Stowers lives up to his 4.51-second speed, this Eagles offense has a chance to be electric in 2026 at tight end with Goedert's reliable hands and Stowers' deep threat potential.
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