Broncos to Meet with Prospect Compared to Mike Evans

Denver to visit with former Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player's dynamic movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the raw energy and potential of the prospect.Stowers' versatility and explosive athleticism could make him a valuable addition to the Broncos' offense.Indianapolis Today

The Denver Broncos are scheduled to meet with former Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers next week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport compared the 6-foot-4, 239-pound Stowers to future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, and noted that several teams are evaluating him as a wide receiver.

Why it matters

This is an interesting situation for the Broncos, who already have a solid tight end group and recently acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Stowers' versatility and potential as a pass-catching 'F' tight end or big-slot receiver could provide an intriguing option for the Broncos to supplement their offense around quarterback Bo Nix.

The details

Stowers, who won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end in 2025, impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.51 forty time and 45.5-inch vertical jump. He totaled 146 receptions for 1,773 yards and 11 touchdowns across his college career, which included stops at Texas A&M, New Mexico State, and Vanderbilt.

  • Stowers first revealed the arranged meeting with the Broncos on March 24.
  • He also spoke with the club during February's Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

Eli Stowers

A 6-foot-4, 239-pound former tight end from Vanderbilt who won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end in 2025 and is drawing comparisons to Mike Evans.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' franchise quarterback, whom the team is looking to supplement with additional offensive weapons.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver recently acquired by the Broncos to bolster their passing attack.

Adam Trautman

A tight end currently on the Broncos' roster.

Lucas Krull

A tight end currently on the Broncos' roster.

Nate Adkins

A tight end currently on the Broncos' roster.

Evan Engram

The presumed starting tight end for the Broncos.

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What’s next

The Broncos will meet with Stowers next week, one of their final prospect meetings ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team will have to decide whether to potentially utilize Stowers as a wide receiver or keep him at tight end, where he would compete for playing time with the team's existing options.

The takeaway

Stowers' versatility and impressive athletic profile make him an intriguing prospect for the Broncos, who are looking to continue building a well-rounded offense around quarterback Bo Nix. His potential fit as either a pass-catching tight end or a big-bodied wide receiver could provide the team with valuable flexibility as they look to maximize their offensive weapons.