Second-round picks typically arrive at training camp with lofty expectations, especially when they’re viewed as offensive playmakers. That seemed the case with Eli Stowers early on, but over a week’s worth of Philadelphia Eagles practices, the rookie tight end has generated more intrigue for what he hasn’t done than for what he has.
What’s strange is that might be the point. Philadelphia has its starter, Dallas Goedert, who, oh by the way, set a franchise record for TD receptions (11) in his eighth season. He’s the top man on the depth chart. Stowers, on the other hand, switched positions in college. A former QB, he earned his first taste of playing tight end after settling into the NCAA game.
Eli Stowers’ quiet role may say more about the Eagles‘ patience than his readiness.
With six practices logged, discussions about Stowers center on what’s seen as slow development. Highlight-reel moments in practice by guys like Dontayvion Wicks and Darius Cooper have taken center stage.
Stowers has remained low on the depth chart and has primarily worked with the third-team offense. Even veteran Cam Latu has seen more passes thrown his way during camp. That’s obviously a surprising development considering the excitement surrounding Stowers after the draft.
Rather than signaling disappointment, the Eagles’ approach appears to reflect a long-term development plan. Stowers’ path to the NFL is unlike that of most rookie tight ends. He played quarterback before transitioning to tight end just three years ago, so he’s still learning many of the finer details of the position as he adjusts to the professional game.
Stowers wasn’t asked to block very often while with the Vanderbilt Commodores. That makes that aspect of his development one of the Eagles’ coaching staff’s biggest priorities. For a team that asks its tight ends to contribute as both receivers and blockers, becoming a complete player is far more valuable than producing a handful of eye-catching training camp receptions.
The Eagles have shown patience with developmental prospects before, and their handling of Stowers suggests they aren’t interested in rushing that process simply because of where he was drafted. There were still subtle signs of how Philadelphia could eventually utilize him. He has lined up split wide during a developmental period in practice. Sure, it’s early, and that may not mean much. There is, however, an indication the coaching staff may already be exploring ways to capitalize on his athleticism as a receiver.
The rep ended with an incompletion after cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields broke up a slightly underthrown pass, but the alignment itself may have been the more revealing takeaway. It’s also worth remembering that rookie tight ends often face one of the steepest learning curves in the NFL.
Beyond learning a new playbook, they’re expected to master route running, blocking technique, pass protection responsibilities and pre-snap adjustments against some of the league’s most physical defenders. Stowers is trying to do so at football’s highest level, and he’s still mastering the nuances of playing a new position.
For now, Philadelphia doesn’t appear focused on how quickly Stowers can become part of the passing game. Instead, the Eagles seem intent on developing him into the type of complete tight end who can stay on the field in any situation. If that’s truly the plan, a quiet first handful of training camp practices may be less a warning sign and more an indication that the Eagles are thinking well beyond September.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Why Eagles fans shouldn’t panic over Eli Stowers’ quiet training camp
