Every player has that one coach that they consider a mentor. The one coach that leaves a lasting impact on your life. For new Eagles tight end Eli Stowers, that coach is former Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews.
Philadelphia selected Stowers with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding another dynamic weapon to their retooled offense. Matthews was drafted by the Eagles 42nd overall in 2014 and spent his first three seasons with the team, recording over 2,600 receiving yards during the span.
Now, Stowers can apply the knowledge he gained from Matthews as his NFL journey begins.
As a first-year coach I had the honor of working with @eli_stowers3 every day. Coaching is easy when your players possess his level of athleticism, intelligence, and playmaking ability. AND he’s an even better person. @Eagles fans, you’re going to LOVE him! pic.twitter.com/xvsBQ8aasH
— Jordan Matthews (@jmattjmattjmatt) April 25, 2026
Matthews still holds the Vanderbilt record for single-season receptions (112 in 2013), and joined the staff as an offensive consultant last season. When speaking to the media on Saturday, Stowers mentioned that Matthews brought over some old Eagles’ plays to the Vanderbilt playbook.
New Eagles TE Eli Stowers continuously mentions how much Jordan Matthews has helped him along. Says Jordan incorporated several plays that Philly used for Zach Ertz into the Vanderbilt playbook.
Matthews was drafted by the Eagles in the second round 12 years ago. pic.twitter.com/aHYsgE3nPD
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 25, 2026
Stowers caught 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns last season. His efforts earned him the John Mack Award, presented annually to the nation’s top tight end. He and Dallas Goedert should form one of the most lethal TE duos in the league.
Eli Stowers Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein
Stowers is an explosive quarterback convert with just three years at the tight end position. He’s an excellent athlete with long arms but needs to keep filling out his frame. He’s a natural pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and massive run-after-catch talent. While his route-running and contested-catch ability need work, he excels at moving the chains on screens/short catches. He has the speed to threaten downfield against linebackers. His run-blocking ceiling might be low, but his traits create above-average potential as a pass-catching “F” tight end, fitting the growing trend of utilizing two- and three-tight-end sets more heavily.
Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers is headed to Philly 🦅
Jalen Hurts just got another playmaker 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4RVirFV1Rq
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jordan Matthews gives ringing endorsement for new Eagles TE Eli Stowers