Eli Stowers Isn't Just a Project; He's a Swiss Army Knife
Rich Eisen’s show had Eli Stowers on, and the kid laid out his case for NFL teams. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky dream for a fringe player. Stowers, who started his college career at Texas A&M as a quarterback before transferring to New Mexico State and playing safety, wide receiver, and even some special teams, offers something genuinely rare: true positional versatility. Most guys who claim that are just filling in; Stowers actually *played* multiple spots at a high level.
Look, you hear about "athletic freaks" at the Combine every year. Stowers is one of them, but with a resume. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at his pro day and posted a ridiculous 40-inch vertical. Those numbers jump off the page. But it’s not just raw athleticism. At New Mexico State in 2023, he tallied 56 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles as a safety. That’s real production, not just a highlight reel from one game.
**The Quarterback Brain, The Defensive Instinct**
Here’s the thing: his background as a quarterback isn't just a fun fact; it's a legitimate advantage. Stowers spent two seasons at A&M, learning under Jimbo Fisher’s complex offensive system. That means he understands defensive coverages, offensive schemes, and player tendencies from the other side of the ball. When he’s playing safety, that’s invaluable. He’s not just reacting; he’s anticipating. You saw glimpses of that awareness on tape last season, like the forced fumble against UTEP where he read the running back's path perfectly and exploded through the gap. New Mexico State’s defense, under coach Jerry Kill, was often aggressive, and Stowers was a key piece, helping them to a 10-5 record and a Conference USA Championship appearance.
But here’s my hot take: Stowers’ best fit in the NFL isn’t as a full-time safety. It's as a hybrid weapon, a chess piece that defensive coordinators can deploy in multiple packages. Think about the way teams use players like Isaiah Simmons or even Jeremy Chinn early in his career. Stowers has the speed to cover tight ends or slot receivers, the physicality to drop into the box and stop the run, and the blitzing ability that led to 2.5 sacks. He’s not going to be a pure centerfielder or a pure strong safety. He’s the guy you move around to exploit matchups.
**Special Teams Ace and Beyond**
And let’s not forget special teams. Every single team in the league needs core special teams players. Stowers played significant snaps on coverage units for the Aggies. His speed and tackling ability make him an immediate impact player there. This isn’t a guy who needs to sit and develop for two years before seeing the field. He can contribute from Week 1 on kick and punt coverage, and that’s a huge selling point for late-round picks or undrafted free agents. In today's NFL, where roster spots are precious, a player who can fill multiple roles and excel on special teams is worth his weight in gold. His pro day numbers alone confirm he's got the juice for it.
He also played some wide receiver at New Mexico State in 2022, catching 13 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. While I don't see him lining up much on offense in the NFL, it just further illustrates his comfort with the ball in his hands and his overall athletic ceiling. Teams are always looking for competitive advantages. Stowers provides one, not just with his physical tools but with his demonstrated ability to learn and execute in diverse roles.
My bold prediction: Eli Stowers will be a significant special teams contributor as a rookie and will carve out a role as a versatile defensive back by his second season, outperforming several players drafted ahead of him.