2026 Vanderbilt NFL Draft Watch: Eli Stowers Runs It Back To Prove His Stock

The converted quarterback could be the first tight end off the board come April.

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2026 NFL Draft Rankings: S || CB || LB || ER || DT || C || OG || OT || TE || WR || RB || QB

TOP 10 VANDERBILT PROSPECTS FOR 2026

Location: Nashville, TN || Conference: SEC || Head Coach: Clark Lea (4 Years: 16-33) || NFL Draft Picks Under Lea: 5 (1.25/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Lea: 0 || Commodores in NFL: 12

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, rSr, 6035, 235, 4.52e (photo: Vanderbilt Athletics)

Evaluation: It was quite an impressionable year for Stowers, who was named First Team All-SEC for his efforts restoring the Commodores back to relevance. Still somewhat of a raw prospect, Stowers began his career as a quarterback at Texas A&M, before a brief stint at New Mexico State. Last season, he exploded for 49 catches, 638 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The Texas native was able to make a rather seamless transition to his new position due to his high football IQ and innate athleticism. His quickness enables him to pick up additional yards after the catch and Stowers has shown to have a dependable set of hands when targeted. Look for Stowers to see even more balls thrown in his direction, as he continues to develop his route running. Pro scouts will be monitoring his blocking progression, while he is anticipated to be one of the more potent tight end weapons in the nation. His performance a year ago had yielded an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, so Stowers was already viewed as a top prospect. His potential could lead him on a path that eventually lands him in the first round.