Broncos to Host Versatile Vanderbilt TE on Top-30 Visit

Eli Stowers could transition to wide receiver in the NFL, adding size and athleticism to Denver's offense.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white intersecting to capture the player's dynamic movements.A cubist interpretation of a versatile football player's athleticism, hinting at the Broncos' potential to add dynamic offensive talent.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are hosting Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers on a top-30 pre-draft visit. While officially listed as a tight end, several teams are evaluating Stowers as a potential wide receiver due to his impressive size, vertical leap, and 40-yard dash time. The Broncos could look to add Stowers in the 2026 NFL Draft to pair with their existing tall receiving corps of Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant.

Why it matters

The Broncos are looking to further bolster their passing attack after trading for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Adding a versatile, athletic pass-catcher like Stowers could give them an even bigger and more dynamic receiving group to complement quarterback Bo Nix.

The details

At 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, Stowers has an NFL-ready frame and the athletic traits to potentially transition to wide receiver. He posted a 45.5-inch vertical jump, an 11'3" broad jump, and a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, all of which would rank among the best for a wide receiver. The Broncos are evaluating Stowers as both a tight end and a receiver, and could look to add him in the second or third round of the draft to give their offense even more size and playmaking ability on the perimeter.

  • Stowers is scheduled to visit the Broncos next week as part of the team's top-30 pre-draft visits.

The players

Eli Stowers

A tight end from Vanderbilt University who is being evaluated by NFL teams as a potential wide receiver due to his impressive size and athleticism.

Jaylen Waddle

A star wide receiver acquired by the Denver Broncos in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, adding a dynamic playmaker to their passing attack.

Courtland Sutton

A tall, physical wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who could form a formidable receiving corps with Waddle and a potential addition like Stowers.

Pat Bryant

A 6-foot-2 wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who could complement the size of Sutton and a potential Stowers addition.

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who would benefit from having an even more talented and diverse receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“An interesting note on Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers: While officially he's a TE, several teams are evaluating him as a WR. At 6'4", 239, his build can be compared to Mike Evans.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Broncos will have the opportunity to further evaluate Stowers during his upcoming top-30 visit, where they can assess whether he projects better as a tight end or wide receiver at the NFL level.

The takeaway

The Broncos are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to build a dynamic and versatile passing attack around quarterback Bo Nix. Adding a player like Eli Stowers, who could provide size and athleticism at either tight end or wide receiver, would give them even more options to create mismatches and keep defenses off balance.