Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers enters the NFL's draft process as one of the most intriguing developmental tight ends in the class -- and depending on where he slots during draft weekend, April 23-26 in Pittsburgh, the Jacksonville Jaguars could net him in the second round.

The Jags are set to make their first selection in the draft in Round 2, with the No. 56 overall pick. The team owns 11 total picks this year, including four in the top 100.

Jaguars Roundtable will take a closer look at a range of prospects in the Class of 2026 that could jell with Jacksonville's current roster, coaching staff, and the team's X's and O's strategies. Other entries in the series include profiles of Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds out of Indiana as well as Cincinnati nose tackle Dontay Corleone and Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher. 

On the other side of the ball, we've featured offensive linemen, including Oregon tackle Isaiah World and Penn State's Drew Shelton as well as running backs Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas and Le'Veon Moss of Texas A&M, and USC receiver Ja'Kobi Lane.

Here we'll focus in on Commodores tight end Eli Stowers.

A former quarterback recruit who reinvented himself at Vanderbilt, Stowers grew into a versatile, matchup‑friendly weapon. His path from Texas prep star to SEC tight end gives him a unique blend of football intelligence, athletic upside, and positional flexibility that evaluators believe can translate into an NFL role with real long‑term payoff.

Stowers arrived at Texas A&M as a highly regarded dual‑threat quarterback, known for his size, mobility, and competitive toughness. After battling injuries and depth‑chart congestion, he transferred to New Mexico State and eventually Vanderbilt, where the coaching staff saw his athletic traits as a natural fit at tight end.

The transition wasn’t immediate, but it unlocked a skill set that had been hiding in plain sight.

His quarterback background gave him a deep understanding of route concepts, spacing, and defensive structure. Vanderbilt’s staff leaned into that, using him as a move tight end, slot receiver, H‑back, and occasional backfield piece. By his final season, Stowers had become one of the Commodores’ most reliable offensive weapons and a matchup problem for SEC defenses.

Stowers looks the part of a modern hybrid tight end -- tall, fluid, and capable of lining up anywhere from in‑line to the slot to the backfield. His frame still has room for additional functional strength, which NFL teams will view as untapped upside.

Stowers’ athleticism is his calling card. He moves more like a big receiver than a traditional tight end, with easy stride length and the ability to separate from linebackers. Vanderbilt frequently used him on crossers, seams, and play‑action leak routes, where his speed and understanding of coverage allowed him to find soft spots and create yards after the catch.

His quarterback background shows up in his route pacing and spatial awareness. He understands how to manipulate defenders, settle into windows, and adjust mid‑route based on leverage. He’s also a natural hands catcher, extending away from his frame and securing the ball cleanly.

As a blocker, Stowers is competitive and assignment‑sound. While not yet a dominant in‑line presence, he shows willingness, leverage, and improving technique. His athleticism makes him particularly effective as a space blocker on screens and perimeter runs.

Stowers is still early in his development as a true tight end. His in‑line strength must continue to improve, especially against NFL‑caliber edge defenders. His route running, while instinctive, can be sharper at the top of the stem, and he occasionally rounds breaks. He also needs to refine his footwork and hand placement as a blocker to avoid losing reps against power.

Because he’s relatively new to the position, teams will view him as a projection -- a player whose best football is still ahead of him but who may require patience early.

Stowers projects as a move tight end with TE2 upside early and TE1 potential as he continues to grow into the position. His versatility makes him a fit for offenses that value motion, mismatches, and hybrid personnel groupings. He can contribute immediately on special teams and in sub‑packages while developing into a more complete player.

NFL Comparison: A developmental blend of Logan Thomas and Juwan Johnson — former quarterbacks who grew into athletic, multi‑role tight ends.

Projected Draft Range: Stowers likely improved his draft stock at the scouting combine Wednesday, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds, a broad jump of 11 feet, 3 inches, and his amazing vertical jump of 45.5 inches. Stowers will probably move into late Day 1 to Day 2 of the draft. 

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