The Denver Broncos are starting to narrow their focus ahead of the 2026 draft. One name is quickly gaining traction: Eli Stowers.
The Vanderbilt Commodores standout confirmed during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show that he has a top-30 visit scheduled with Denver. He also previously met with the Broncos at the NFL Combine, adding to what already appears to be growing interest from the organization.
“I visited the Titans this past week, and then I have the Cowboys and the Broncos coming up soon,” Stowers said.
That visit comes after a prior meeting at the NFL Combine, signaling this isn’t just a late check-in. It’s continued evaluation. With the Broncos holding the No. 62 overall pick and limited early-round capital following the Jaylen Waddle trade, these types of visits often point to players firmly on their radar in the second round.
Do you think he’ll be available for the Broncos late in the second round, or would you trade up to get one of the best TEs in the draft?
Stowers Emerging as Real Second-Round Option for Broncos
Stowers helped himself in a major way during the pre-draft process, especially at the combine.
At 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, he turned heads with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. He also had a 45.5-inch vertical and an 11’3″ broad jump. This reinforced what already showed up on film, a “freak athlete” at the tight end position.
Across his final two seasons at Vanderbilt, Stowers totaled 111 receptions for 1,407 yards and nine touchdowns. That production, paired with his rare athletic ability, has positioned him as one of the more intriguing pass-catching weapons in this class.
He isn’t viewed as a traditional in-line tight end, and that’s where the evaluation gets more nuanced. Stowers wins as a mismatch piece. He can line up in the slot, create separation against linebackers, and challenge defensive backs with his size. That profile aligns with what teams are increasingly looking for in modern NFL offenses.
Given his current projection in the mid-second round range, the Broncos’ pick at No. 62 puts him right in play if he’s still on the board.
–Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers –Boston College OL Jude Bowry (@mikeklis9news 1st) –Illinois OL Josh Gesky (@AaronWilson_NFL 1st)
Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion had one scheduled but was cancelled post-Waddle trade
Broncos Fit Ties Directly to Sean Payton’s Offensive Vision
The interest also makes sense when viewed through the lens of Sean Payton’s offense.
Payton has consistently valued versatile pass-catching options at tight end, often deploying them as what some refer to as a “Joker” role. These are players who can move around the formation and create matchup problems.
That’s exactly where Stowers would project early in his career.
The Broncos currently have Evan Engram in that role, but he is entering a contract year, has underproduced and will turn 32 during the season.
Behind him, the tight end depth chart remains largely unchanged, with Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull all back on short-term deals, but none offer much playmaking upside.
Tight end also remains one of the few areas the Broncos have not meaningfully addressed this offseason. While they retained depth pieces, they have yet to add a true long-term answer or difference-maker at the position.
Adding a player like Stowers would not only give quarterback Bo Nix another dynamic target, but also provide a longer-term option at the position.
It’s still early in the process, and a top-30 visit doesn’t guarantee anything. But the continued contact, combined with Stowers’ rising stock, makes this a connection worth watching closely as draft day approaches.
Broncos Show Strong NFL Draft Interest in Explosive Playmaker