It's been a somewhat quiet 2026 NFL Draft for the Philadelphia Eagles, but that's actually not the worst thing.
The Eagles had one pick in the first round, taking University of Southern California wide receiver Mikai Lemon.
Now, with the 54th pick in the second round, the Eagles decided to go with tight end Eli Stowers, who proved during his time at Vanderbilt that he can be one of the more athletic tight ends in the country.
Stowers started his college career at New Mexico State, posting 366 yards and two touchdowns on 35 receptions. During his junior season at Vanderbilt, he finished with 49 receptions, 638 yards, and five touchdowns. His best season came in 2025, when he posted 62 catches and 769 yards.
It's a bit interesting that the Eagles decided to go the tight end route, but it shouldn't look too surprising. The Eagles understand that they have to eventually replace Dallas Goedert, and it looks like Stowers can be the type of player who does just that.
Allowing him to learn from the veteran tight end could also be a very good thing, as the Eagles re-signed Goedert during the offseason.
Goedert, 31 years old, has been a prime trade candidate over the past few years.
There have been reports stating that Philadelphia could look to move on from its fan-favorite tight end, who spent his college football days at South Dakota State and was also picked in the second round.
If the second-rounder in Stowers can have the type of career that the Eagles veteran has had, there's reason to believe that this can work out very well for an offense that's looking to add some juice.
Over the next 24 hours, the Eagles will have some other tough decisions to make. They currently hold two third-round picks in No. 68 and No. 98 overall.
The Eagles only have a 5th and 6th-rounder after that, picking at 178 and 197 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's very possible that Howie Roseman gets back on the board here, and it wouldn't be as surprising. We'll see if he does that.