Eli Stowers shattered multiple NFL Combine records for tight ends, posting a vertical jump that was the best at the position since 2003.
The Vanderbilt tight end exploded for a 45.5-inch vertical jump. That mark ranks as the third-highest vertical at the NFL Combine overall since 1999, according to Benjamin Solak.
Adam Schefter reported the vertical was the highest for a tight end since 2003.
Stowers didn’t stop there. He set an all-time NFL Combine record for tight ends in the broad jump with a leap of 11 feet, 3 inches.
Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) absolutely exploding for a 45.5″ vert. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/SSmNDbpIaF
— EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ) February 28, 2026
The 6-foot-4, 239-pound tight end is expected to be selected high in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combine performance likely boosted his stock even higher.
Record-Breaking Day
Stowers’ broad jump broke the previous tight end record at the combine. The NFL highlighted the achievement during the broadcast.
.@VandyFootball‘s Eli Stowers just set a new Combine record for tight ends with an 11’3″ broad jump
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/w8zOFydNId— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. That time tied for second-fastest among tight ends at this year’s combine.
Only Oregon’s Kenyon Saddiq ran faster, clocking a 4.39 that set an all-time NFL Combine record for tight ends.
College Success
Stowers transitioned from quarterback to tight end during his time at Vanderbilt. The position change worked out well for him.
He finished his three-year college career with 146 receptions for 1,773 yards and 11 touchdowns. His production increased significantly after Diego Pavia joined the Commodores as quarterback before the 2024 season.
The athleticism Stowers displayed at the combine matched what scouts saw on tape. His quarterback background gives him unique skills as a pass-catcher.
Tight End Comparison
Here’s how Stowers measured against Saddiq, the other top tight end prospect at the combine:
| Eli Stowers | Event | Kenyon Saddiq |
| 6’4″ | Height | 6’3″ |
| 239 lbs. | Weight | 241 lbs. |
| 45.50″ | Vertical | 43.50″ |
| 11’3″ | Broad jump | 11’1″ |
| 4.51 | 40-yard dash | 4.39 |
Stowers won the jumping events while Saddiq had the faster 40 time. Both prospects showed elite athleticism for the tight end position.
The combine results should help both players hear their names called early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams are always looking for athletic tight ends who can create mismatches in the passing game.
