Eli Stowers, the standout Vanderbilt tight end projected to be the program's highest NFL draft pick in over five years, is generating significant pre-draft buzz for a potential position switch. According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, several teams are evaluating the former quarterback-turned-tight end as a wide receiver at the professional level.
This kind of positional versatility is a coveted asset in today's NFL, where offensive schemes increasingly value hybrid playmakers who can create mismatches. Stowers' athletic profile, honed from his days under center, makes him a fascinating prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic weapon to their passing attack.
The report notes Stowers has already visited with the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams, and Dallas Cowboys, though his exact role in their plans remains unclear. Entering the draft ranked as ESPN's 36th-best overall player, his stock is undoubtedly high as the April 23-25 event approaches.
Stowers is coming off a dominant 2025 season where he solidified his status as college football's premier tight end, hauling in 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns. His efforts earned him consensus All-American honors and the prestigious John Mackey Award. Whether he lines up with his hand in the dirt or split out wide, his proven pass-catching ability suggests he could make an immediate impact for the team that calls his name.