Vanderbilt's tight end Eli Stowers is making waves ahead of the NFL Draft. During his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Stowers shared that he's set for a top-30 pre-draft visit with the Denver Broncos.
This isn't the first time the Broncos have shown interest-they previously conducted a formal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. Now, they're bringing him in for a closer look.
For those unfamiliar, a top-30 visit allows NFL teams to invite up to 30 prospects to their facilities for interviews, medical checks, and film sessions. It’s a vital part of the draft process, offering insights into the positions teams might be eyeing, though it doesn’t guarantee a draft pick.
Standing at 6-4 and weighing 239 pounds, Stowers is a tight end prospect who divides opinions. His 4.5-second speed and impressive 45-inch vertical make him an exciting playmaker for some, while others question his blocking ability, viewing him more as a big wide receiver.
The Broncos’ interest in Stowers is understandable. Head Coach Sean Payton has been on the lookout for his ideal pass-catching tight end, reminiscent of Evan Engram.
Stowers fits this mold as a dynamic receiving threat, although his blocking might not be his strongest suit. With Engram in the final year of his contract, adding a talent like Stowers could be strategic, providing quarterback Bo Nix with another athletic target, especially in crucial areas like the middle of the field and red zone.
However, the Broncos face a challenge-they don’t pick until the late second round, and Stowers might be snapped up by then. But if he's available, Payton might just seize the opportunity to secure the pass-catching tight end he’s been searching for.
That said, the Broncos aren't putting all their eggs in one basket. This draft class boasts a solid group of tight ends, many of whom offer more traditional skills in both the passing and running game.
With the re-signing of Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull, Denver's tight end room remains unchanged from last season. But with Adkins and Krull on one-year deals, their positions are anything but guaranteed.
Expect the Broncos to add a new face to their tight end lineup during the 2026 NFL Draft.