The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a new era as they look for a long-term replacement for Travis Kelce. During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, one prospect emerged as the clear favourite to fill that role.
Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt, dominated the athletic testing and proved he has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. Beyond his speed and strength, Stowers possesses a specific mental advantage that mirrors Kelce’s career path.
February 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles on the second hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
February 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles on the second hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Stowers began his college career as a high level quarterback recruit. This background gives him a sophisticated understanding of defensive schemes and passing lanes. He views the field through the eyes of a passer, which allows him to find open spaces in zone coverage.
This “quarterback brain” is exactly what has made Kelce so successful alongside Patrick Mahomes for over a decade. When a tight end understands where the ball needs to go before the play develops, the chemistry with a quarterback becomes almost impossible to stop.
His college teammate, quarterback Diego Pavia, highlighted this unique connection during their time together. Pavia recentlynoted, “And what makes him the best tight end in the country is that he’s played quarterback before, so he knows the openings, he knows where to sit. He knows what’s open. He gets a pre-snap read. He’s just an all-around player. Off the field, he’s just one of the best persons I’ve ever met in my life.”
This level of communication is vital for the Chiefs’ complex offensive system. Head coach Andy Reid values players who can make smart adjustments during a play, and Stowers fits that requirement perfectly.
The physical data from the 2026 Combine confirms that Stowers is an elite athlete. He measured in at nearly 6-foot-4 and weighed 239 pounds. He recorded a 45.5-inch vertical jump, which is the highest mark for a tight end in over twenty years.
He also set a positional record with an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump. These numbers show that he has the explosive power to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds is also remarkable for a player of his size.
Kansas City currently holds the 9th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. While the team has other needs, the opportunity to secure a premier pass catcher is difficult to ignore.
How the Chiefs will move on from Travis Kelce
Kelce has not yet confirmed his plans for the 2026 season, but the organization must prepare for the future. Adding a younger, faster version of the “converted quarterback” model would keep the offence explosive for years to come.
The 2026 draft class is considered one of the fastest for tight ends in history. Other players like Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon also set speed records during the week.
However, Stowers stands out for his combination of record-breaking leaps and mental grasp of the game. NFL scouts have noted that his transition from quarterback to tight end was seamless because of his natural hands and route-running ability.
For the Chiefs, the decision involves more than just raw talent. They need a player who can think like Mahomes. If Stowers is available when Kansas City selects, he could become the next great weapon in their pursuit of more championships. The 2026 NFL Draft begins in late April and all eyes will be on how the Chiefs manage this transition.