The Carolina Panthers could land this sleeper tight end in the NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers own the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and they have been heavily linked to Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
You can understand why.
The Panthers have gotten minimal production from the tight end position in recent years, and based on how little they utilized Ja'Tavion Sanders in 2025, it's looking like they want to go in a different direction.
But is Sadiq really the best option for Carolina?
The Panthers have other needs, as well, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where they could stand to add another pass rusher. They could also use some help in the secondary, another wide receiver and offensive line depth.
So it might behoove Carolina to select a different position in the first round of the draft on April 23 and then circle back to tight end later.
That's where Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers comes into play.
Eli Stowers. Credit: Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Stowers is projected to be a Day 2 pick, but there is reason to believe he could actually represent a better selection than Sadiq.
For starters, Stowers was more productive on the collegiate level and is coming off of a 2025 campaign in which he hauled in 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. That came in the SEC, too.
And while Sadiq is known for his freakish athleticism, Stowers actually posted a better vertical leap (45.5") and broad jump (11'3") at the Scouting Combine.
Not only that, but the 6-foot-4 Stowers is an inch taller than Sadiq, so combine that with his superior leaping ability, and he might comprise a better red-zone target for Bryce Young. All for the cheaper cost of a second or third-round pick.
Selecting a tight end in Round 1 is always risky for the simple fact that it isn't a premium position. For a Panthers team that totaled just 30 sacks this past season, going with an edge rusher at No. 19 and then taking Stowers at No. 51 or 83 (depending on how far he falls) could be the play.
Plus, there is no guarantee Sadiq will even be available for Carolina on Day 1, as some have him flying off the board before the Panthers will even have a chance to nab him.
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