Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers Faces Positional Uncertainty Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, thanks to his impressive athletic profile that includes a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and a record-breaking 45.5-inch vertical jump. However, Stowers' positional uncertainty has become a major talking point, as some teams are evaluating him as a wide receiver rather than a tight end due to his lack of blocking finesse.

Why it matters

Stowers' versatility and athletic ability make him an enticing prospect, but his lack of a defined position could complicate his transition to the NFL. Teams will need to carefully evaluate how best to utilize his unique skill set at the next level.

The details

A converted quarterback, Stowers has put together back-to-back productive seasons at Vanderbilt, showcasing his ability as a reliable target and highlight-reel catch magnet. However, his compact movement skills and twitchiness have led some teams to view him as a potential wide receiver rather than a tight end, especially given his extreme lack of blocking finesse.

• Stowers clocked in at 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash and set a new record with a 45.5-inch vertical jump during the pre-draft process.
• On April 7, NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport reported that NFL teams have evaluated Stowers as a receiver rather than a tight end, a major development in his pre-draft process.

What’s next

Teams will need to carefully evaluate Stowers' skill set and determine the best position for him at the NFL level, whether that's as a tight end, wide receiver, or some other hybrid role.