One of the best tight ends entering the 2026 NFL Draft is Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers. The 6’4″ 235-pound tight end has recorded at least 35 receptions, 350 receiving yards, and at least two touchdowns in each of his three collegiate seasons.
In the last two seasons combined, Stowers had hauled in 111 receptions for 1,407 yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. The former quarterback-turned tight end changed positions upon arriving in New Mexico State in 2023. He was awarded the John Mackey Award (nation’s best tight end) for the 2025 season.
Stowers is expected to be one of the first tight ends taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at three teams that could draft Stowers.
Three Landing Spots For Eli Stowers
1.) Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos signed tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million deal prior to this season, He’s recorded just 47 receptions for 416 yards and a touchdown this season. Denver could look to move on from Engram or pair him up with Stowers, who could eventually take over as TE1 in Denver.
2.) Kansas City Chiefs
The biggest question that remains heading into the offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs is- will Travis Kelce retire? There’s been a ton of speculation that Kelce could retire and if so, the Chiefs will need to look for his replacement. The Chiefs could use a second or third round pick on Stowers to give Mahomes a new weapon as Stowers can line up in the slot as a productive slot receiver.
3.) Baltimore Ravens
While he’s averaging a career-low 8.9 yards per catch this season, the Baltimore Ravens extended tight end Mark Andrews for three more seasons during the 2025 season. This means pending free agent tight end Isaiah Likely, who has 133 receptions, 1,536 yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns the last four season for Baltimore will be gone in free agency.
After most likely losing Likely in free agency and retaining what looks to be a declining Andrews, the Ravens could get more security and plan for its future at tight end by drafting Stowers.
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