Eli Stowers Scouting Report

Eli Stowers is a high-end athlete at the TE position who should make an immediate impact for an NFL passing offense.

Draft Grade: Round 2 - Winning Starter

Strengths:

Explosive Athlete/Acceleration: Stowers' Combine numbers—a 4.51 40-yard dash, a 45.5-inch vertical jump, and an 11'3" broad jump—confirmed what the film showcased: he is a top-tier athlete at the tight end position. Stowers is an explosive mover capable of creating consistent separation from linebackers and defensive backs alike. He is also a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands, possessing the ability to accelerate away from defenders in the open field.

Contested Catches: Stowers showcases the ability to make difficult catches. He can go vertical to high-point the ball in 50/50 situations and consistently come down with the football. Stowers is also willing to work across the middle and absorb physical contact to secure catches in traffic. He possesses high-end body control and concentration to track the football amidst chaos, often resulting in explosive plays for the offense.

Versatility: Throughout his collegiate career, Stowers has proven to be a versatile offensive weapon. He can align in the slot, on the outside, or in the backfield, providing coordinators with a "chess piece" to create strategic mismatches. His background as a former quarterback further enhances his understanding of spacing and defensive rotations.

RAC Ability: With the football in his hands, Stowers is a dynamic playmaker. He has good overall vision to maneuver through the field, and when combined with his contact balance and acceleration, he is a difficult task for defenders to tackle. As a tight end, Stowers should be utilized in screens and jet motions; coordinators should prioritize a consistent "touch count" to maximize his game-breaking potential.

Concerns:

Blocking: Stowers is a former quarterback converted to tight end who has adjusted well to the receiving portion of the game. However, the area that needs the most improvement is his run blocking. Stowers needs to get stronger to be able to effectively maintain blocks on the perimeter and hold his own when asked to block in-line.

Detailed Route Running: Stowers needs to become more detailed and specific with his route running at the next level. He occasionally rounds off his breaks, creating an element of drifting at times. This lack of precision can be detrimental to the timing of the passing game, especially in the NFL, where quarterbacks expect receivers to be at a specific spot at a precise moment.