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Eli Stowers has no doubt about identity with Philadelphia Eagles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Because of doubts about his blocking ability, some have wondered if 2026 second-round pick Eli Stowers would be more of a big slot than a traditional tight end.
Stowers was a dynamic offensive weapon for Vanderbilt over the past two seasons, with the former Commodores star posting over 600 yards in each year, including a whopping 769 in 2026.
But he wasn't asked to block much during his college days, hence the questions about how he'll perform in that area at the next level.
During rookie minicamp last week, Stowers did plenty of work on his blocking and his primary focus was on technique.
“You just have to learn the technique,” Stowers said, according to The Athletic's Zach Berman. “I think that was not necessarily a hurdle, but the thing you have to learn the most. You have to get the technique down. A lot of it is reps and so you get the muscle memory down. And the other side of it is just the will to want to block."
When it comes to the debate over his being a traditional tight end or more of a slot target, Stowers has no doubt he fits into the former category and isn't just a passing game weapon.
“I view myself as a tight end, but I think I can be a really good weapon in the passing game as well,” Stowers said. “I’m thankful that I’m viewed that way because it shows that people think I’m explosive enough to view me as a receiver. But the fact is that I’m a tight end, and I want to be used that way in the offense.”
And the Eagles have confirmed what they view him as by listing Stowers officially as a tight end on the team's roster, and he has been working with tight ends in practice.
Stowers is going to line up in the slot regardless, but being able to be an in-line blocker will only help him see the field even more, especially early in his career.
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