The Denver Broncos invested heavily in their tight end room this offseason, utilizing free agency and the 2025 draft to do so. And yet, ESPN’s Matt Miller suggests the Broncos could go back to the positional well in 2026 with Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers.
Miller ranked Stowers as his TE1 of the 2026 class and believes the Vandals’ playmaker could “break out even more” next season.
Miller noted that Stowers is a “slot” option, “resembling” new Broncos tight end Evan Engram.
“Sean Payton has been vocal about wanting to diversify the Broncos’ passing game, most notably adding hybrid players he calls ‘jokers.’ He signed one in veteran tight end Evan Engram and drafted another in running back RJ Harvey but is looking for more,” Miller wrote on June 30. “Stowers would serve as a younger version of Engram with greater upside, though.”
A converted quarterback, Stowers had 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024.
The leading numbers among the Broncos’ tight ends last season were 19 grabs, 188 yards, and 3 TDs. The Broncos still roster three of those players – Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Nate Adkins – heading into training camp, which could keep Stowers from consideration in 2026.
Broncos’ TE Room Already Crowded
GettyCaleb Lohner #84 of the Utah Utes catches a touchdown pass over JD Drew #3 of the Utah State Aggies.
Helping Stowers’ outlook on potentially being on the Broncos’ radar, they only have two of their tight ends under contract for 2026.
Engram signed a two-year, $23 million contract in free agency. Notably, Engram has an extensive injury history. The Broncos also drafted 6-foot-7 former basketball player Caleb Lohner in the seventh round of the 2025 draft.
Lohner’s background closely resembles that of New Orleans Saints legend Jimmy Graham.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who coached Graham for the latter’s first five seasons in the NFL and to three Pro Bowls, has compared Lohner to the history-making tight end.
Stowers might need to have the breakout Miller suspects is coming to find himself on the Broncos’ short list of options. However, they were linked to the 2024 class’ top tight ends before ultimately standing pat and selecting Jahdae Barron with the No. 20 overall pick.
Notably, Miller’s projection calls for the Broncos to select Stowers 20th overall in 2026.
Broncos Could Be Good Fit for Eli Stowers
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton coaches from the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Draft Network’s Daniel Harms projected Stowers as a Day 3 pick. He also forecasted another potential position change for Stowers, and it is one that the Broncos have some familiarity with.
“Used in a multitude of ways on offense, Stowers provided a matchup problem for Vanderbilt with his size and speed to play against linebackers and safeties. His background as a running quarterback shows up after the catch and on touch passes, and he can quickly get upfield and into space, pulling away from defenders in pursuit,” Harms wrote in December 2024.
“With natural athletic gifts, Stowers shows potential as a receiving threat but is still learning the finer nuances of playing the tight end position. He might transition to receiver at the next level.”
The Broncos utilized wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey in a similar role last season.
Humphrey signed with the New York Giants in free agency, leaving a void the Broncos hope they upgraded with Engram and, eventually, Lohner. Another strong season from Stowers, though, could lead to a consensus about his draft stock, which would help the Broncos.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Broncos Projected to Make ‘Upside’ Move on Playmaking Former QB appeared first on Heavy Sports.