Star power isn’t the only hallmark of championship teams anymore. Depth is another. The Philadelphia Eagles know that as well as anyone, and they have spent the past several seasons building one of the NFL’s deepest rosters.
That philosophy continues to earn recognition. In a recent feature, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell assembled an NFL All-Backup Team, selecting the league’s best non-starters at every position.
Two Eagles made the cut: rookie tight end Eli Stowers and defensive back Michael Carter II. Neither is expected to enter Week 1 as a full-time starter, but both could play meaningful roles for a team with championship aspirations.
Eli Stowers continues generating excitement
The Eagles have high expectations for Stowers despite his rookie status. Philadelphia selected the former Vanderbilt Commodores standout in the second round after a breakout collegiate career that culminated with the Mackey Award. That’s given annually to the nation’s top tight end. Stowers caught 62 passes for 769 yards during his final season with the Commodores, showcasing the athleticism and versatility that made him one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects.
Barnwell believes those traits will translate immediately. He described Stowers as an athletic “move” tight end who can provide another weapon in the passing game while developing behind Dallas Goedert. Barnwell also projected Stowers as Goedert’s eventual successor in 2027, highlighting the rookie’s long-term potential within Philadelphia’s offense.
The Eagles have heard similar praise before. Another former Vanderbilt standout Jordan Matthews has also spoken highly of Stowers, pointing to his football intelligence and athletic ability as reasons he could make an early impact in the NFL.
Michael Carter II gives Philadelphia flexibility
While Stowers represents the future, Carter offers valuable experience. The Eagles acquired the former New York Jets defensive back last season, initially viewing him as another cornerback capable of competing for playing time. His role has since evolved.
With Reed Blankenship no longer on the roster, Carter is expected to compete for snaps at safety while maintaining the versatility to play in the slot when needed. That flexibility made him an easy choice for Barnwell’s All-Backup Team.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, Carter established himself as one of the NFL’s more dependable slot defenders in New York under Robert Saleh. Although he eventually fell out of favor following the Jets’ coaching change, the Eagles saw enough value to keep him in Philadelphia after he agreed to a revised contract.
His ability to contribute at multiple positions could become increasingly valuable over the course of a 17-game season.
Depth often separates good teams from championship contenders, and ESPN’s recognition reinforces what the Eagles have worked to build. Stowers gives Philadelphia another explosive young offensive weapon waiting for his opportunity, while Carter provides the kind of positional versatility every successful defense covets. If both players develop as expected, the Eagles may discover that two of their most valuable contributors begin the season outside the starting lineup.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Two Eagles land on ESPN’s NFL All-Backup Team
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