The New England Patriots are already looking ahead, with speculation building that they could target a dynamic tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft. With veteran starter Hunter Henry entering the final year of his contract, the Patriots may be planning for the future at a position that has long been a cornerstone of their offensive identity.

According to Patriots insider Chad Graff of The Athletic, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers has emerged as a potential Day 2 target. The logic is sound: Stowers could spend his rookie year learning behind Henry before potentially stepping into a starting role in 2027. This strategy would provide crucial continuity at a key position for a team in transition.

Stowers' profile is particularly intriguing. While slightly undersized at 239 pounds, his athletic testing was off the charts, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 45.5-inch vertical leap. A former highly-touted quarterback, Stowers transitioned to tight end and flourished at Vanderbilt, hauling in 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns last season. He's precisely the type of versatile, mismatch-creating pass-catcher that could thrive in modern NFL offenses.

This potential move also makes sense given the current roster construction. The Patriots signed free agent Julian Hill to a three-year deal, but he is known primarily as a blocker. Adding a receiving threat like Stowers would perfectly complement Hill's skillset, allowing the offense to effectively utilize two-tight end sets—a formation that has historically been a weapon for New England.

Whether the Patriots use the 63rd overall pick or trade up in the third round, Stowers represents a fascinating prospect. As the team builds its new identity, securing a playmaking tight end could be a critical step. The 2026 draft in Pittsburgh is still on the horizon, but for Patriots fans, the future is already taking shape.