š¦ BREAKING: When it comes to drafting tight ends in the second round, the Philadelphia Eagles might have quietly built one of the most consistentāand intriguingāpatterns in the NFL. What once looked like coincidence is now starting to feel like a calculated formula, and the latest chapter has fans and analysts paying very close attention.

It all began in 2013, when the Eagles selected Zach Ertz with the 35th overall pick. At the time, it was a solid moveānothing overly flashy, but one that addressed a clear need. Over the years, however, Ertz developed into far more than just a reliable target. He became one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history, a cornerstone of the offense, and ultimately, a Super Bowl hero. His iconic touchdown in Super Bowl LII remains one of the defining moments in Eagles history, cementing his legacy in Philadelphia forever.
Fast forward to 2018, and the Eagles once again turned to the second round to find their next tight end: Dallas Goedert at pick No. 49. Much like Ertz, Goedert entered the league with promise but without overwhelming hype. Yet over time, he carved out a reputation as one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL. His ability to block, catch, and create yards after the catch made him indispensable to the Eaglesā offense. More importantly, he helped sustain the teamās identity during a period of transition, eventually becoming a key figure in another championship-caliber roster.
Now, in 2026, history appears to be repeating itself once again.
With the 54th overall pick, the Eagles selected Eli Stowersāa prospect who may not have dominated headlines leading up to the draft, but whose potential has quickly captured the imagination of fans. At first glance, it might seem like just another strategic pick. But when viewed through the lens of the Eaglesā past success at this exact position and draft range, it suddenly carries much greater significance.

Three different years. Three second-round tight ends. One franchise.
At some point, patterns like this demand attention.
What makes this trend even more fascinating is how each player fits into the broader philosophy of the Eaglesā organization. Philadelphia has long valued versatility at the tight end positionāplayers who can contribute in both the passing and running game, who can adapt to different offensive schemes, and who can be relied upon in critical moments. Ertz embodied that as a precise route runner and clutch receiver. Goedert expanded on it with physicality and balance. Now, the question is whether Stowers can blend those traits while adding something uniquely his own.
Of course, with opportunity comes pressure.
Unlike many rookies, Stowers enters the league with a clear historical comparison hanging over him. Fans arenāt just hoping he becomes a solid contributorātheyāre wondering if he can be the next great Eagles tight end. Thatās a high bar, especially in a city as passionate and demanding as Philadelphia. Every catch, every block, every snap will be scrutinized, not just on its own merit, but in comparison to what came before.
Yet thereās also a reason for optimism.
Being drafted into a system that has consistently developed talent at your position can be a major advantage. The coaching staff understands how to maximize tight end skill sets. The playbook is designed to create opportunities. And perhaps most importantly, thereās a culture in place that knows what success at that position looks like.
For Stowers, this could be the perfect environment to grow.
Around the league, analysts are beginning to take notice of this pattern as well. Some see it as a testament to the Eaglesā scouting department and their ability to identify undervalued talent. Others view it as a reflection of organizational stabilityāa team that knows exactly what it wants and how to get it. Either way, the result is the same: Philadelphia continues to find impact players in a spot where many teams struggle to do so consistently.
And that brings us back to the central question:
Is this truly a coincidence, or has it become a repeatable formula?
The answer may not be fully clear yet, but the evidence is growing harder to ignore. If Eli Stowers develops into another standout tight end, it will only strengthen the narrative that the Eagles have mastered something that others have not.
For now, all eyes are on the future.
A new season is approaching, a new player is stepping into the spotlight, and a familiar storyline is beginning to unfold once again. In Philadelphia, the second round doesnāt just bring hopeāit brings expectation.
And if history is any indication, that expectation might be justified.





