17 hours ago, Portyansky said:

Oh yea, they're a dime a dozen in the 2nd round . This isn't a fantasy redraft.

Good drafting teams often get pro bowl players in round 2. Our recent 2nd round pro bowl picks are DeJean Dickerson Goedert Hurts & Jurgens. Ertz was an early 2nd round pick. Not to mention LeSean McCoy DeSean Jackson Randall Cunningham and excellent players Sheldon Brown Bobby Taylor Wes Hopkins Vinny Curry Mychal Kendricks and Hall of Famers Brian Dawkins and Eric Allen. It should also be mentioned we selected Stowers with the 22nd pick in round two and he was the first TE drafted in round 2. The league went on to take 7 TEs in the next 42 picks, thru round 3. We had the choice of the lot and we took a TE with absolutely no blocking skills. Hopefully Stowers will take a big jump from year 1 to 2 and will be able to contribute. He should be a valuable red zone and middle of the field move the chains threat in time. But a shame they took a TE this high who can't block. Hopefully his athletic ability will redeem him.

One more chance to show something, before going on IR for a conveniently timed injury.

On 8/28/2026 at 2:46 PM, weko said:

Good drafting teams often get pro bowl players in round 2. Our recent 2nd round pro bowl picks are DeJean Dickerson Goedert Hurts & Jurgens. Ertz was an early 2nd round pick. Not to mention LeSean McCoy DeSean Jackson Randall Cunningham and excellent players Sheldon Brown Bobby Taylor Wes Hopkins Vinny Curry Mychal Kendricks and Hall of Famers Brian Dawkins and Eric Allen. It should also be mentioned we selected Stowers with the 22nd pick in round two and he was the first TE drafted in round 2. The league went on to take 7 TEs in the next 42 picks, thru round 3. We had the choice of the lot and we took a TE with absolutely no blocking skills. Hopefully Stowers will take a big jump from year 1 to 2 and will be able to contribute. He should be a valuable red zone and middle of the field move the chains threat in time. But a shame they took a TE this high who can't block. Hopefully his athletic ability will redeem him.

How many of the players you listed were pro bowl players as rookies?

7 hours ago, brkmsn said:

How many of the players you listed were pro bowl players as rookies?

I'll quote Jimmy Kempski from the last page. " 2nd round rookie TE Eli Stowers is unplayable...Unfortunately through camp, Stowers

hasn't shown much to get excited about as a receiver or as a blocker."

That is a brutal assessment of a 2nd round pick. Hopefully he can adapt and be an over the middle and red zone threat in time.

We'll know the answer to that a year from now

This is where deficiency is going to harm

Offensive outgrowth. They have needed a comparable TE behind/next to Goedert. With the new scheme end blocking will be crucial. As much as the disguise of end blocking is exploitative. Goedert had a poor blocking season last year. He was bad.

Dude looked horrible all of OTA's, training camp and preseason games.
That's just really bad for a guy you took with the #2 pick.

2 hours ago, Talonblood said:

Dude looked horrible all of OTA's, training camp and preseason games.
That's just really bad for a guy you took with the #2 pick.

JJAW

Sidney Jones

Jaiquawn Jarrett

Nate Allen

Winston Justice

Victor Abiamiri

13 hours ago, weko said:

I'll quote Jimmy Kempski from the last page. " 2nd round rookie TE Eli Stowers is unplayable...Unfortunately through camp, Stowers

hasn't shown much to get excited about as a receiver or as a blocker."

That is a brutal assessment of a 2nd round pick. Hopefully he can adapt and be an over the middle and red zone threat in time.

We'll know the answer to that a year from now

You didn't answer the question. The truth is, often players are drafted in round 2 because of what they can become, not what they currently are. I'll answer the question for you: None of them were pro bowlers as rookies. Dawkins (for example) didn't get his first invite until his 4th year. Even 1st round picks like Jordan Davis needed 4 seasons to lose the "bust" or "wasted pick" labels. Jalen Carter only started 1 game as a rookie.

It is disappointing that Stowers doesn't yet seem "in the mix" for playing time. It's not surprising, though, based on what scouts were saying before the draft. You can't run sloppy or lazy routes in the NFL. It takes a long time to clean things up in that area. He also needs to block better in our offense. There are things he will be good at right now, but he's unlikely to push Goedert this season. Hopefully he'll get far enough along, improving his weak areas, and be able to get activated for games (probably won't happen in the first few weeks) and then actually get on the field so he can learn from watching his game tape.

It's very realistic he could end up being another JJAW type pick that doesn't pan out. JJAW did actually end up being a good blocking WR (which was a role in Sirianni's offense), but wasn't able to help as a pass catcher. He was also a good special teams player, something Stowers didn't do in college. Interestingly, JJAW stayed in the NFL (practice squad) a couple more seasons as a TE convert, probably because of his willingness to block. It's also possible Stowers reacts well to NFL coaching and gets increasingly more comfortable as he improves on his weak areas in practice during the season. If the progress seems slow, we'll probably see the Eagles sign Goedert for 1 more season after this one. If that doesn't happen it will probably mean they like where Stowers is at the end of this season.

You never for sure know the answer after just 1 season, though. Fans want instant gratification. The NFL understands that a majority of players need time to develop at this level.

I'm not saying he is a bust yet but I have been referencing Mike Bellamy.

2 hours ago, brkmsn said:

You didn't answer the question. The truth is, often players are drafted in round 2 because of what they can become, not what they currently are. I'll answer the question for you: None of them were pro bowlers as rookies. Dawkins (for example) didn't get his first invite until his 4th year. Even 1st round picks like Jordan Davis needed 4 seasons to lose the "bust" or "wasted pick" labels. Jalen Carter only started 1 game as a rookie.

It is disappointing that Stowers doesn't yet seem "in the mix" for playing time. It's not surprising, though, based on what scouts were saying before the draft. You can't run sloppy or lazy routes in the NFL. It takes a long time to clean things up in that area. He also needs to block better in our offense. There are things he will be good at right now, but he's unlikely to push Goedert this season. Hopefully he'll get far enough along, improving his weak areas, and be able to get activated for games (probably won't happen in the first few weeks) and then actually get on the field so he can learn from watching his game tape.

It's very realistic he could end up being another JJAW type pick that doesn't pan out. JJAW did actually end up being a good blocking WR (which was a role in Sirianni's offense), but wasn't able to help as a pass catcher. He was also a good special teams player, something Stowers didn't do in college. Interestingly, JJAW stayed in the NFL (practice squad) a couple more seasons as a TE convert, probably because of his willingness to block. It's also possible Stowers reacts well to NFL coaching and gets increasingly more comfortable as he improves on his weak areas in practice during the season. If the progress seems slow, we'll probably see the Eagles sign Goedert for 1 more season after this one. If that doesn't happen it will probably mean they like where Stowers is at the end of this season.

You never for sure know the answer after just 1 season, though. Fans want instant gratification. The NFL understands that a majority of players need time to develop at this level.

Bottom line I would never draft a TE in the 2nd round who was completely incapable of blocking unless he was tremendous in the passing game and had WR speed and the ability to separate from DBs. Hopefully in time he can be a factor in the offense and red zone. But I didn't like the pick at all when it was made and like it even less now. Maybe a year from now he'll be stronger and a capable blocker. We'll see.

Just wow on the complete lack of even the first clue by referencing Brian Dawkins in a conversation about a dude who may not be enough of a grown man to even muster the effort to try to block on the NFL level.

He's been terrible but writing him off as a bust after not even playing one actual NFL snap is laughable. It's gone worse than expected but in general this shouldn't be all that surprising since his draft profile was a great athlete with very limited experience playing TE and a bit of a project.

2 hours ago, SkippyX said:

Just wow on the complete lack of even the first clue by referencing Brian Dawkins in a conversation about a dude who may not be enough of a grown man to even muster the effort to try to block on the NFL level.

For context, since you type more than you read, Dawkins was listed as one of our former 2nd round picks (like Stowers). That's why he's part of the discussion. I only pointed out that none of our former 2nd round picks that were listed here were pro bowl players in their first year:

But don't you worry ... If Eli doesn't amount to anything at this level, I'm sure you can find a way to use that in one of your long-winded, random, "it's never Jalen Hurts, just everybody else" posts.

On 4/25/2026 at 5:06 PM, Diehardfan said:

Yeah, feels like they drafted two WRs

LOL. And neither one will be any good this year. What a crappy draft.

20 hours ago, weko said:

Bottom line I would never draft a TE in the 2nd round who was completely incapable of blocking unless he was tremendous in the passing game and had WR speed and the ability to separate from DBs. Hopefully in time he can be a factor in the offense and red zone. But I didn't like the pick at all when it was made and like it even less now. Maybe a year from now he'll be stronger and a capable blocker. We'll see.

I have never heard of Stowers before the draft. I can understand why. He was a 3rd/4th option receiver in college. It's a mystery to me why He was drafted in the second.

On 9/1/2026 at 6:12 PM, Traveler Vic said:

I have never heard of Stowers before the draft. I can understand why. He was a 3rd/4th option receiver in college. It's a mystery to me why He was drafted in the second.

He must have wowed them at the combine. The kid can high jump 6'8" which is really impressive and is a great broad jumper too. His college coach pulled him off the field on running downs. He cant block at all so in no way is he a TE. He's a big receiver with average 4.51 pro speed who is having a hard time getting off the line and separating against 2 nd and 3 rd string defenders. A year in the weight room and a change in attitude about blocking and lots of work improving and he hopefully will be effective. We'll see. We won a SB running the ball and are looking to add a TE who can block. We could have had a great blocking TE in the late 2 nd 3 rd round but Howie and his evaluators got Mike Mumulaed at the combine. I peg him as a 2nd half 4 th round to 5 th round as a slow WR who can't be on the field on running plays. Hopefully he gets going but i wouldn't expect to see alot of improvement until a year from now

On 4/28/2026 at 11:44 AM, PoconoDon said:

With the way this offense is allegedly going to attack the middle of the field, a terrific pass catching TE sounds like a good fit.

Agree 100 pet cent but unfortunately this kid is a WR with average speed. He is not a TE

A great blocking TE makes the defense put a big strong LB across from him to neutralize the running game. This allows that kind of TE an advantage in the passing game going against an oftentimes slower LB who will often release him on a passing down to the dbs behind him allowing this TE to find seams in the zone for receptions. A TE who can't block at all allows the defense to put a db on him who stays with him and makes it much harder to get open. With a TE, unless he has WR speed and is a dynamic pass catcher, all evaluations should start by assessing the blocking ability especially with league moving back to a more balanced run pass attack. A great blocking TE helps in both the running and passing game. Right now this kid is a WR. Maybe after a year in the weight room and tudoring he might be TE. Hopefully so. We'll see

20 hours ago, weko said:

A great blocking TE makes the defense put a big strong LB across from him to neutralize the running game. This allows that kind of TE an advantage in the passing game going against an oftentimes slower LB who will often release him on a passing down to the dbs behind him allowing this TE to find seams in the zone for receptions. A TE who can't block at all allows the defense to put a db on him who stays with him and makes it much harder to get open. With a TE, unless he has WR speed and is a dynamic pass catcher, all evaluations should start by assessing the blocking ability especially with league moving back to a more balanced run pass attack. A great blocking TE helps in both the running and passing game. Right now this kid is a WR. Maybe after a year in the weight room and tudoring he might be TE. Hopefully so. We'll see

This is a logical assessment. I do think when they saw a raw talent with potentially high upside to be a major contributor with some development at this level (similar to when they took Hunt in the 3rd 2 years ago. Let's hope his career follows the same path.

On 8/31/2026 at 5:18 AM, weko said:

I'll quote Jimmy Kempski from the last page. " 2nd round rookie TE Eli Stowers is unplayable...Unfortunately through camp, Stowers

hasn't shown much to get excited about as a receiver or as a blocker."

That is a brutal assessment of a 2nd round pick. Hopefully he can adapt and be an over the middle and red zone threat in time.

We'll know the answer to that a year from now

Stowers isn't showing anything right now so it doesn't look good at the moment, but it's also too early to write him off. Some rookies take more time, others are good right away.

Numbers for backup TEs Celek, Ertz and Goedert in their rookie years:

Celek: 16 catches for 178 yards (his 2nd year 27 rec, 318 yards)

Ertz: 36 catches for 469 yards

Goedert: 33 catches for 334 yards

None of them were "Pro Bowl" as a rookie. In fact Celek and Goedert never made the Pro Bowl. Ertz made it, and he was the best pass catcher of them and had the best rookie numbers. He was a great pass catching TE, often criticized for his lack of blocking ability and YAC, he would catch and immediately fall down a lot or get tackled. Nonetheless, great receiver.

So if your measure is every 2nd round pick has to make the Pro Bowl, that's not really a great measure. Celek and Goedert both good TEs. I'd be thrilled if Stowers had their kind of numbers but didn't make the Pro Bowl.

Btw DeVonta Smith hasn't made the Pro Bowl yet either.

I remember when we drafted him I told my brother this would be an LJ Smith type pick. Will show glimpses here abd there but never put it together

On 9/4/2026 at 1:00 PM, NOTW said:

Stowers isn't showing anything right now so it doesn't look good at the moment, but it's also too early to write him off. Some rookies take more time, others are good right away.

Numbers for backup TEs Celek, Ertz and Goedert in their rookie years:

Celek: 16 catches for 178 yards (his 2nd year 27 rec, 318 yards)

Ertz: 36 catches for 469 yards

Goedert: 33 catches for 334 yards

None of them were "Pro Bowl" as a rookie. In fact Celek and Goedert never made the Pro Bowl. Ertz made it, and he was the best pass catcher of them and had the best rookie numbers. He was a great pass catching TE, often criticized for his lack of blocking ability and YAC, he would catch and immediately fall down a lot or get tackled. Nonetheless, great receiver.

So if your measure is every 2nd round pick has to make the Pro Bowl, that's not really a great measure. Celek and Goedert both good TEs. I'd be thrilled if Stowers had their kind of numbers but didn't make the Pro Bowl.

Btw DeVonta Smith hasn't made the Pro Bowl yet either.

The bar is very low at this point. For a late round WR/TE pick the bar would have been.....Can they catch the ball without dropping it for over 3 yards?

For a first and second round pick..the bar is can they get off the line of scrimmage and hopefully run the correct route??? So far the answer is disappointing.

Hopefully after a month into the season, our first 2 rounders get on the field for at least several plays per game.

On 9/3/2026 at 11:56 AM, weko said:

He must have wowed them at the combine. The kid can high jump 6'8" which is really impressive and is a great broad jumper too. His college coach pulled him off the field on running downs. He cant block at all so in no way is he a TE. He's a big receiver with average 4.51 pro speed who is having a hard time getting off the line and separating against 2 nd and 3 rd string defenders. A year in the weight room and a change in attitude about blocking and lots of work improving and he hopefully will be effective. We'll see. We won a SB running the ball and are looking to add a TE who can block. We could have had a great blocking TE in the late 2 nd 3 rd round but Howie and his evaluators got Mike Mumulaed at the combine. I peg him as a 2nd half 4 th round to 5 th round as a slow WR who can't be on the field on running plays. Hopefully he gets going but i wouldn't expect to see alot of improvement until a year from now

I never liked workout warriors. They almost always deceive you. Especially how well coached they are ahead of combine. Show me the tape. I trust the tape a lot more.

What was the thinking behind this pick then? Seemed like a particularly weak TE draft class behind sadiq and to take stowers in the second round looks like a real reach.

On 8/31/2026 at 2:12 PM, time2rock said:

JJAW

Sidney Jones

Jaiquawn Jarrett

Nate Allen

Winston Justice

Victor Abiamiri

JJAW, Jones, and Jarrett sucked from the start and never looked back (although Jarrett hung onto a job with the Jets for a bit, IRRC).

Allen was never talented, never had upside, but was a relatively finished product and did fine when thrown in early. That led to him having a relatively high stock amongst the fans early on, but he always was a JAG.

Abiamiri was never terrible and was fairly stout, but he never did anything either...just had no explosion. They drafted him with lazy scouting hoping he'd be Justin Tuck 2.0 even though he had none of those movement skills.

Justice is probably the true cautionary Stowers comp. Raw, unique athleticism. Embarrassed himself early. Then got it together to make a career of it, but never really was that good or justified the selection.