Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Size:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 234 pounds
Accomplishments:
All-Conference USA Honorable Mention (2023)
“Eli Stowers is a unique receiving mismatch who uses his athletic gifts as an adept red zone and after-the-catch threat.”
Strengths:
Athlete
Movement after the catch
Versatility
Flashes nuance as a route-runner
Big slot
Concerns:
In-line ability
Physicality
Blocking
Frame
Film Analysis:
Eli Stowers began his collegiate journey as a four-star dual-threat quarterback out of high school, committing to Texas A&M. The two-sport athlete (track) switched positions to tight end while at A&M, and after two seasons of limited play, he transferred to New Mexico, where he became a swiss army knife for their offense. He completed four of eight passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, rushed 28 times for 106 yards and two scores, and caught 35 passes for 366 yards and two touchdowns. The versatile playmaker then made another move as a graduate transfer to Vanderbilt, where he’s become a receiving threat for the Commodores offense, hauling in 45 passes for 568 yards and four touchdowns.
Used in a multitude of ways on offense, Stowers provided a matchup problem for Vanderbilt with his size and speed to play against linebackers and safeties. His background as a running quarterback shows up after the catch and on touch passes, and he can quickly get upfield and into space, pulling away from defenders in pursuit.
He lines up detached from the offensive line, in the slot, and out wide to create problems for the defense. Whether in motion or lined up at receiver, they must pay attention to where Stowers is. He flashes nuance as a route-runner by leaning into defenders at the top of routes, using stem manipulation to move defenders, and head/hand usage throughout the route to create separation. A former high jumper, Stowers showcases the feel of climbing the ladder and making plays above the rim with great timing and hands. Vanderbilt used his size and skill in the red zone and took advantage of space where he could thrive.
It’s clear that Stowers is not a natural tight end, given Vanderbilt's lack of in-line play, but his willingness to block and technique are there. He’s more of a “move tight end,” as they used motions, split-zone, and pulling actions to create better angles for him as a blocker. He can grow into his frame, but his athletic gifts and speed could be hampered by putting more weight on him. However, he could use more functional strength to aid him as a blocker.
A raw tight end, he still shows natural space feel and receiver tendencies, which might make him more of a big slot in the NFL. Along with better hand usage to get off of physical defenders, utilizing him more as a slot can give him natural space to take advantage of. At the catch point, Stowers needs to return to the football more often to make the catch easier and to where he doesn’t have to fight through traffic as often.
With natural athletic gifts, Stowers shows potential as a receiving threat but is still learning the finer nuances of playing the tight end position. He might transition to receiver at the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: Alabama (2024), South Carolina (2024), Texas (2024)
