Broncos Eyeing Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers in 2026 NFL Draft

Denver looking to add athletic pass-catching threat to complement veteran Evan Engram

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:07am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of a tight end's athleticism.A cubist interpretation of a dynamic tight end playmaker, reflecting the Broncos' desire to add an athletic pass-catching threat to their offense.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are reportedly doing extensive scouting on Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Stowers, a former quarterback, has impressed with his receiving skills and ability to make plays after the catch, making him an ideal fit for Sean Payton's offense. While the Broncos don't have a first-round pick, they could look to trade up in the third round to secure Stowers and add another dynamic weapon to their tight end room.

Why it matters

The Broncos' tight end group, led by Evan Engram, has underperformed in recent seasons, and the team is seeking to add more playmaking ability at the position to maximize Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Stowers' unique skill set as a hybrid tight end/wide receiver could provide the spark the Broncos are looking for.

The details

Last offseason, the Broncos signed Evan Engram in free agency, but he failed to make a significant impact in 2025. The team re-signed Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull, but none of those players are seen as true difference-makers. Eli Stowers, a former quarterback, has emerged as a potential target for the Broncos in the 2026 draft due to his impressive receiving skills and ability to create yards after the catch. Stowers' athleticism and size make him an intriguing fit for Payton's offense, which often utilizes multiple tight end sets.

  • The Broncos will have their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 62 overall in the second round.
  • The Broncos could look to trade up in the third round to select Stowers if he is still available.

The players

Eli Stowers

A hybrid tight end-wide receiver prospect out of Vanderbilt, Stowers is known for his athleticism, receiving skills, and ability to create yards after the catch.

Evan Engram

The veteran tight end signed with the Broncos in free agency last offseason but failed to make a significant impact in 2025.

Adam Trautman

A tight end the Broncos re-signed this offseason, but he is not seen as a true difference-maker.

Nate Adkins

Another tight end the Broncos re-signed, but like Trautman, he is not expected to be a game-changing addition.

Lucas Krull

The Broncos also re-signed this tight end, but he is not viewed as a major upgrade to the position group.

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What they’re saying

“This is the kind of player that has Payton written all over him. Many teams are beginning to use multiple tight end sets and Payton has always been a proponent of using more than one tight end.”

— Mike Klis, Broncos reporter

What’s next

The Broncos will have their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 62 overall in the second round. They could look to trade up in the third round to select Eli Stowers if he is still available.

The takeaway

The Broncos' tight end group has underperformed in recent seasons, and the team is seeking to add more playmaking ability at the position to maximize Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Eli Stowers, a hybrid tight end/wide receiver prospect from Vanderbilt, has emerged as a potential target for the Broncos in the 2026 draft due to his impressive receiving skills and ability to create yards after the catch.