The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to make some noise in 2026, and training camp is setting the tone for that early.
They have added a lot of great talent to the roster, with the tight end position being one that intrigues fans. Dallas Goedert is the clear-cut starter, but newcomers Johnny Mundt, Stone Smartt, and rookie Eli Stowers are all fighting for jobs. NBC Sports Eagles reporter Dave Zangaro shared an interesting observation at training camp that is showing how it's going at tight end behind Goedert.
"Veteran blocking tight end Johnny Mundt has been getting plenty of run with the first-team offense over the first two days, especially when the Eagles go to 12 personnel with two tight ends on the field. Mundt has experience in this brand of offense and that is likely going to help him make the team and find a role."
Nothing about Eli Stowers really shows what is going on at Eagles training camp
Mundt being in Philly made a lot of sense when he first signed with the team. He was teammates with current Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion for multiple years. That connection has helped Mundt get off to a fast start at camp.
Mannion needed a blocking tight end to join the Eagles, as that was an area of the team that struggled in 2025. Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra was criticized as one of the worst blocking tight ends in the NFL last year, which is why he is on the hot seat to make the 53-man roster.
Interestingly enough, though, Stowers once again is having a quiet start. There was not much noise about the second-round pick at OTAs either. That is leading to some concerns about what Stowers' role is going to be in 2026.
For now, it appears Goedert will start, Mundt will be the backup, and Stowers will be the third string. This shouldn't be looked at as a knock on Stowers' performance. Mannion needs a blocking tight end to match with a receiving tight end in 12-personnel, so Stowers is the odd man out of the lineup.
It's a shame that Stowers won't be showcased right away since he has such great measurements in college and at the NFL Combine. His 4.51-second 40-yard dash was the second-fastest for a tight end at the combine, showing the speed and threat he can be in the passing game.
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Eagles fans should be prepared for the idea that Stowers will start the 2026 season on the bench and may not play much unless Goedert or Mundt get hurt. That could be a massive disappointment for a rookie who has high expectations around him.
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