The Denver Broncos are currently set to run it back at the tight end position if they don’t make any outside additions in free agency prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. With Davis Webb as their new play caller, there is some optimism Denver’s tight end production may see a significant uptick next season.
Even if you think that’s a possibility, it’s safe to say there are still significant long-term question marks at the position. It’s the last year of Evan Engram’s deal and he certainly wasn’t the ‘joker’ fans were hoping for last season. And no offense to Nate Adkins, Caleb Lohner, Lucas Krull, or Adam Trautman—they aren’t difference makers that are causing nightmares for any opposing defensive coordinators to gameplan against.
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A prospect I believe has a lot of potential and would be a great fit for the Broncos is Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. His collegiate career started as a quarterback at Texas A&M, but after transferring to New Mexico State in 2023—he made the switch to tight end full time. Over the past two years, he was a focal point for the Commodores’ offense and a very dynamic playmaker.
Still tough around the edges and growing into the position, Stowers’ athleticism and potential are off the charts. Let’s do a deep dive regarding his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: Eli Stowers — Tight End — Vanderbilt
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 239 pounds | Arm Length: 32-5/8” | Hand Size: 9-3/4” | Age: 22 Years Old
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40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.59 seconds | 3-Cone Drill: N/A
Vertical: 45.5” | Bench: N/A | Broad Jump: 11-3”
Statistics at Vanderbilt: 25 games played, 146 receptions, 1,773 yards, 12.1 yards per reception, 11 touchdowns. Previously played from 2021-22 at Texas A&M and New Mexico State 2023 as a QB and TE.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
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Elite athlete for the position and top-notch NFL Combine performer
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Vision as a power slot player and move tight end in Sean Payton’s offense seems quite clear
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Great wingspan and radius to help snag off target passes
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Tremendous ability to create after the catch—384 of his 769 receiving yards in ’25 were YAC
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Quality hands with only 7 drops on 210 targets the past three seasons
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Prior experience as a quarterback helps him navigate and understand where to attack opposing coverages
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Versatile player who was deployed as a slot receiver, outside receiver, and tight end with the Commodores
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Does well working up the seam and over the middle of the field on intermediate routes
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Enormous room for growth and potential with best football ahead of him
Negatives:
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Will be 23 years old as a rookie
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Backup tight ends on rosters usually play special teams; he has no experience in that phase
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Run blocking is a significant concern—the effort is there, but the experience, technique and strength at the POA is not
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Needs to add weight and strength to his frame to handle the rigors of the NFL
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Would like to see a bit more toughness given his size on contested catches and going up for the ball
Hart’s Projection: Top 64 Selection — Second Round Value
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Stowers
The Broncos’ tight end room doesn’t inspire a lot of enthusiasm. I think their production this year will be better, but there is no doubt the position group needs a long-term upgrade. Engram is in the last year of his deal and nobody else on the roster is an impact player in the receiving game.
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Stowers is not yet the sum of all his parts. He isn’t the type of guy you can confidently place inline and have him be a plus player in the running game as a rookie. However, his size, athleticism and playmaking ability should all appeal to Sean Payton as a player who can be a power slot and move tight end for his offense.
In many ways, the vision I see for him as a player is similar to how they utilize Engram now. Perhaps him being brought in as Engram’s heir would be something the Broncos are interested in to help their aerial attack. Quite frankly, I think there will be significant interest by Denver in Stowers for those reasons and his strengths.
He had a superb NFL Combine performance, but I’m not catapulting him into the first round based on that. I don’t think the tape shows a first round player, but a prospect likely to go off the board early on Day 2. It would be surprising to me if he fell outside the Top 64.
So how would Denver bring Stowers into the fold? Trading up from the second round seems like a reasonable path if they love him. However, with the Broncos being out their third round pick due to the Jaylen Waddle trade, I am not so sure the Broncos’ brass will be aggressive in moving picks.
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Though they have an extra seventh round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and will likely get a fourth-round compensatory pick from John Franklin-Myers’ departure. With a full slate and more of ‘27 picks, Denver still has the ability to go and get their guys in the ‘26 NFL Draft if they so choose. Will Stowers be a target of theirs worth moving up for? We will just have to wait and see.
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