Patriots Targeting Eli Stowers in the NFL Draft?

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that one of the few certainties in this year's 2026 NFL draft for the New England Patriots is that they will "exit with a tight end who is a strong receiver." The Patriots desperately need a pass-catching complement to the all-around play of Hunter Henry and the blocking prowess of Julian Hill. Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers "would check that box in a big way," according to Graff. The Patriots last drafted a TE within the first two rounds back in 2010, when they took Rob Gronkowski. Henry is entering the final year of his contract in 2026. Stowers has some work to do as a blocker as he heads to the next level, but he could give New England a mismatch weapon in the passing game alongside Henry this year. Austin Hooper served as the pass-catching complement to Henry last year, but he left in free agency to rejoin the Atlanta Falcons. Stowers profiles as a joker tight end in the NFL, and he's generally projected to be a Day 2 pick in the second or third round, but there's a chance he could sneak into the first round this Thursday night.

Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff