Eli Stowers

NFL Draft Profile: Eli Stowers

Position: Tight End | School: Vanderbilt (via NMSU & Texas A&M) | Class: Graduate Senior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 235 lbs | Archetype: Receiving / Hybrid (Move TE)

College Career Summary

Eli Stowers' journey is one of the most unique in modern college football. A former 4-star dual-threat quarterback at Texas A&M, he transitioned to tight end before moving to New Mexico State, where he served as a "Swiss Army Knife" (throwing, rushing, and receiving). His transfer to Vanderbilt in 2024 sparked a national breakout.

In 2025, Stowers became the focal point of the Commodores' high-octane offense. He capped off his career by winning the John Mackey Award (nation's top tight end) and earning Unanimous All-American honors. Stowers led all FBS tight ends in receiving yards and first downs, serving as the ultimate mismatch piece for QB Diego Pavia. On December 28, 2025, he officially opted out of the ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft as a top-tier prospect.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 62 | Receiving Yards: 769 | TDs: 4

• Drops: 2 (Elite focus in high-traffic areas).

• Versatility: Logged snaps at QB, RB, Slot, and In-line TE.

• Career Totals: 146 Rec, 1,773 Yds, 11 Rec TD (plus 4 Rush TD and 2 Pass TD).

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Charleston So.	4 / 86 / 0	B+	Immediate impact; displayed elite YAC for his size.
2	@ Virginia Tech	4 / 29 / 1	B	Scored a critical red-zone TD; struggled slightly in-line.
3	@ South Carolina	3 / 45 / 0	B-	Used primarily to stretch the seam; solid decoy work.
4	vs Georgia State	5 / 73 / 0	B+	Fluidity as a route runner was on full display.
5	vs Utah State	6 / 68 / 1	A-	Multi-purpose usage; took a direct snap for a 1st down.
6	@ #11 Alabama	3 / 22 / 0	C+	Worst Game. Smothered by Bama's NFL-caliber safeties.
7	vs LSU	3 / 32 / 0	B	High-effort blocking against elite EDGE rushers.
8	vs #25 Missouri	4 / 46 / 0	B	Reliable "security blanket" on 3rd downs.
10	@ #14 Texas	7 / 146 / 2	A+	The Apex. Career-high yardage against a top-5 defense.
11	vs Auburn	12 / 122 / 0	A+	Targeted 15 times; absolute warrior through physical hits.
13	vs Kentucky	6 / 36 / 0	B+	Technical mastery of the "choice" route.
14	@ Tennessee	5 / 64 / 0	A-	Sealed the 10th win with critical intermediate catches.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Leadership: Team leader who embraced a position change without ego.

• Mental Toughness: Elite. Overcame a major knee injury in HS and multiple transfers.

• Competitor: A "warrior" who stays on the field after massive hits (see Auburn game).

• Team Player: The ultimate "yes man" for coaches—blocks, runs, and catches.

• Star Power: High. The Mackey Award winner is a household name in scouting circles.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 86/100

• Height/Weight: 6'4", 235 lbs. (Below the 6'5"/250lb "Y" TE standard).

• Stamina: Exceptional; essentially plays like a WR1 in a TE's body.

• Durability: Played 12+ games in back-to-back years; frame is lean but tough.

• Injury History: HS knee injury is a distant memory; medically clean recently.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 91/100

• Catching: Elite. Natural hands from his QB background; tracks the ball perfectly.

• Route Running: Advanced; uses "stem manipulation" to freeze safeties.

• Strength: Functional for a "Move" TE, but lacks the bulk to move 270lb DEs.

• Blocking: Improved. High effort and technically sound, though limited by weight.

• Release: Explosive; his background as a high jumper (7'0" PR) shows in his first step.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Speed: 4.55 (Estimated). Elite "long speed" for the position.

• Agility: Suddenness in and out of breaks; moves like a Power Slot.

• Jumping: World-Class. Former state high jump champion (7-foot).

• Acceleration: Reaches top speed quickly; dangerous on crossers and seams.

• Break Tackle: Uses vision and "wiggle" more than pure trucking power.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 97/100

• Awareness: Elite. Former QB brain allows him to see coverages before they rotate.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Elite receiving profile with WR-like route nuance; "QB-eye" for finding zones; rare vertical leaping ability; proven 100-yard producer in the SEC; high-character leader.

• Weaknesses: Lacks the mass to be a traditional in-line "Y" blocker; frame may be near capacity at 235-240 lbs; occasionally out-muscled in contested-catch "phone booth" situations.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal "U" Tight End / Big Slot in a spread-heavy or motion-based NFL offense (e.g., Dolphins, Chiefs, Cardinals).

• NFL Comparison: Evan Engram / Mike Gesicki.

Scout's Final Word

"Eli Stowers is the evolution of the position. He is a 'Matchup Nightmare' who is too fast for linebackers and too big for nickels. While he won't be a mauler in the run game, his IQ and receiving gravity make him a Day 1 starter in the modern NFL. Coaches will love his 'former QB' perspective on the field. He is a lock for the first two rounds."

Draft Projection: Late Round 1 / Early Round 2.