Don’t Forget the ‘Other’ Rookie TE for Vikings – Vikings Territory

In the last few days, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq has seized the Minnesota Vikings’ mock-draft momentum, and while that’s great, it’s important not to forget Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, who can rather reasonably be picked in Round 2.
The Sadiq buzz is louder. Stowers still matters.
The 2026 draft cycle for tight ends is basically SadiqMania, but whichever team lands Stowers, well, that fan base will be ultra-excited.
Stowers might be a nice consolation prize.
Stowers Perfect Aligns for Vikings in Round 2
The Vikings own the 18th overall pick on Thursday night. They will not use that on Stowers. That’s too high. But as a matter of coincidence, Stowers lives at No. 49 on the Consensus Big Board on draft day, and that’s exactly where the Vikings pick in Round 2 — No. 49.
Therefore, if Minnesota wanted a tight end, but Sadiq flew off the board too early, to the Baltimore Ravens, for example, Stowers can get-got on Friday night instead of Thursday.
The Stowers Intel
Stowers is 6’4″ and 239 pounds, running a 4.51 forty at the NFL Combine. He was a quarterback in high school and has obviously made the switch to tight end quite adeptly. He’s known for his hands, catch radius, and versatility — offensive coordinators can line him up anywhere.
For weaknesses, Stowers is a bit undersized, and his run-blocking will need a lot of work.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Stowers: “Stowers is still developing and needs to improve his route-running urgency and catch-point physicality. But from an athletic and explosive profile standpoint, he’s in the same elite tier as Vernon Davis, Kyle Pitts, and Noah Fant.”
“Combine that with his year-over-year production improvements and exceptional intelligence testing, and there’s a chance he’ll emerge as one of the best offensive playmakers from the 2026 draft class in a year or two. Stowers is a versatile F tight end with big slot receiver traits.”
Stowers turned 23 earlier this month.
McShay added, “He recorded a high rate of chunk plays (30.6 percent of catches going for 15-plus yards), was efficient (2.43 yards per route run), was solid after the catch (5.9 yards per reception), and flashed a good tackle-breaking ability (nine forced missed tackles) last season.”
“Stowers also has outstanding athletic testing numbers (4.51-second 40 speed, 45.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-3-inch broad jump) that could make him a mismatch creator in the NFL. Stowers showcases elite spatial awareness and coverage recognition as a route runner.”
The Hockenson Situation
When the offseason began, many Vikings fans expected TE1 T.J. Hockenson to be cut as a cap casualty. He was on tap to be the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. That didn’t make much sense because the Vikings used Hockenson as a blocking tight end in 2025, which makes the huge contract silly.
But the veteran playmaker agreed to a paycut and his restructured contract makes him a free agent next year. In all likelihood, Hockenson will depart in 2027 free agency. Therefore, with Hockenson probably existing as a short-timer, a new tight end is needed. If Sadiq isn’t the guy, Stowers in Round 2 could check some boxes.
Zone Coverage‘s Carter Cox on Stowers: “Above all else, Stowers is versatile. His history of playing quarterback also makes him a candidate for many trick plays, which would make him a huge asset to Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Stowers also has blazing speed, which makes him a mismatch against linebackers.”
“Whatever position Stowers plays in the NFL almost doesn’t matter, given his talent. Whether he is a tight end, wide receiver, or wildcat quarterback, Stowers is a weapon on the offense. Adding Stowers to Minnesota’s tight end room would be critical at a time when the rookie can learn from Hockenson, while T.J. can still offer production, which is the best way for the Vikings to build their roster.“
Other Round 2 Options
If Stowers does not interest the Vikings at Pick No. 49, non-TE options might look like this:
Other tight ends after Round 2 include Ohio State’s Max Klare and Georgia’s Oscar Delp, among many others.
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