The Denver Broncos need to add a receiving threat to the tight end position, as most of the players are primarily blockers. The unit combined for just 772 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per reception with three touchdowns during the regular season, with Evan Engram accounting for more than half of the production with 461 yards and one touchdown. Engram enters a contract year but could still be moved, given his $14.1 million cap charge and potential post-June 1 designation.
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Because of this, the Broncos could be in the market for a tight end in the upcoming draft.
Denver Broncos eye John Mackey Award winner
NFL Draft
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end coach Lunda Wells and Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (TE25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As Ryan Fowler reported, the Broncos will host the former Vanderbilt Commodores John Mackey Award-winning tight end Eli Stowers for a 30-visit. He is widely considered the second-best prospect at the position behind the Oregon Ducks’ Kenyon Sadiq. According to Jordan Reid of ESPN, Stowers is a potential prospect to fill a need outside the first round, a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense given his receiving ability, athleticism, and ability to play in the slot or out wide.
“He would be the perfect addition to coach Sean Payton’s offense,” Reid said. “With his value primarily coming as a big receiver, Stowers has the potential to be a mismatch on second- and third-level defenders in the slot or out wide.”
However, Stowers is considered undersized at 239 pounds and is not the strongest blocker, suggesting he may not be used as a traditional in-line tight end in the NFL. Instead, he will likely serve as the F (flex) tight end, whose primary role is a pass catcher, lining up in the slot, outside, or in pre-snap motion. During his college career, he lined up in the slot 71% of his time, compared to 7% out wide and 21% in-line, per PFF.
Here’s a quick review of his last three CFB seasons
NFL Draft
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) pulls down a pass in front of Tennessee defensive back Christian Harrison (5) during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Eli Stowers transferred from Texas A&M to New Mexico State in 2023 and converted from quarterback to tight end. Stowers had a solid first year as a tight end, catching 35 passes for 366 yards and two touchdowns. He and teammate Diego Pavia entered the transfer portal, and both ultimately landed in the SEC.
Eli Stowers transferred to Vanderbilt in 2024, joining Diego Pavia. Stowers enjoyed a strong redshirt junior campaign, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. He hauled in 49 receptions for 638 yards and a career high five touchdowns. He bypassed the 2025 NFL Draft and returned to Vanderbilt for one final season, aiming to boost his draft stock.
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Eli Stowers enjoyed a career redshirt senior campaign, setting career highs in receptions and yards, winning the John Mackey Award for most outstanding tight end, and earning First-Team All-American and All-SEC honors. Stowers hauled in 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He wrapped up his incredible college career with 146 receptions for 1,773 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“Stowers is an explosive quarterback convert with just three years at the tight end position. He’s an excellent athlete with long arms but needs to keep filling out his frame. He’s a natural pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and massive run-after-catch talent. While his route-running and contested-catch ability need work, he excels at moving the chains on screens/short catches.
“He has the speed to threaten downfield against linebackers. His run-blocking ceiling might be low, but his traits create above-average potential as a pass-catching “F” tight end, fitting the growing trend of utilizing two- and three-tight-end sets more heavily.”
He projects that he will eventually become an average starter.