Where did Eli Stowers begin his football journey, and did he also undergo position changes?
When Stowers started playing football in the first grade, he was a quarterback. He played quarterback throughout high school and continued as a quarterback in college.
He was competing with Diego Pavia for the starting quarterback job, but Diego won the role.
“It started at New Mexico State,” Stowers told Sports Illustrated. “I transferred there from Texas A&M as a quarterback. I was competing with Diego Pavia for the starting quarterback job. Isn’t that crazy?”
“Diego won the job,” he said. “I went to the coaching staff and said I was willing to do anything to help the team. I had to find a new path. I know I can help, even if that means playing a different position on offense, defense, or special teams. I just want to contribute.”
“That’s when I started making the transition to tight end.”
During that time at New Mexico State, he started the switch to tight end while still spending the entire season in the quarterback room, managing both roles at once.
Why did Eli Stowers move to Vanderbilt for the 2024 and 2025 seasons?
The following year, several members of his coaching staff went to Vanderbilt, and Stowers moved with them.
“Bringing Diego Pavia and I over to Vanderbilt... helped bring a different mentality to the program,” he said.
According to Pro Football Network, Stowers is around 6'4" tall, 240 pounds, with nearly 33‑inch arms, making him look extremely athletic on the gridiron for his size. Reports suggest he could develop into a primary big‑slot mismatch weapon similar to Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
Given that his main value comes as a “big receiver,” Stowers has the potential to create mismatches against second‑ and third‑level defenders in the slot or out wide. In practice, he would largely function as a slot receiver.
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Which NFL teams have completed or scheduled visits with Stowers this month?
Stowers has met with the Cowboys, Rams, and Titans this month and is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos in Denver, Colorado, next week. Reportedly, NFL teams are evaluating him as a wide receiver. On Monday, insider Ian Rapoport shared on X:
“An interesting note on #Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers: While officially he's a TE, several teams are evaluating him as a WR. At 6-foot-4, 239, his build can be compared to Mike Evans. Stowers, by the way, visits the #Broncos next week, and he's done #Rams, #Titans, and #Cowboys.”
An interesting note on #Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers: While officially he's a TE, several teams are evaluating him as a WR.
At 6-foot-4, 239, his build can be compared to Mike Evans. Stowers, by the way, visits the #Broncos next week, and he's done #Rams, #Titans, and #Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/B2VwS2Uzjn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2026
“He would be the perfect addition to coach Sean Payton's offense,” per ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid.
Broncos fans bracing for Eli Stowers
“Him on the Broncos would be a problem for the AFC,” one wrote.
Him on the Broncos would be a problem for the AFC
— 8chainz (@8chainz07) April 7, 2026
“Cowboys, Rams, Titans & Broncos all looking... yeah he's getting drafted high,” a fan wrote.
Cowboys, Rams, Titans & Broncos all looking... yeah he's getting drafted high
— IbtaiHaj (@iamibtaihaj08) April 7, 2026
“Broncos better keep him at TE if they go for him man. Not another receiver!” another fan reacted.
“Versatility like that is a big plus… Eli Stowers lining up as TE/WR hybrid could really boost his draft stock,” another reacted.
“Let's wait for his visit,” one commented.
Last season, he recorded 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per reception, with 377 of those yards coming after the catch. On December 12, the John Mackey Award was presented to Stowers, recognizing him as the nation’s most outstanding tight end.
Upcoming event: Eli Stowers is set to visit the Denver Broncos in Denver, Colorado, next week (mid‑April 2026).
At the NFL Combine, Stowers also set tight end records with a 45.5‑inch vertical jump and an 11‑foot‑3‑inch broad jump.
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