Eli Stowers NFL Combine: 45.5-Inch Vertical Jump Breaks Tight End Record
Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers shattered NFL Combine records with a 45.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-3-inch broad jump at Indianapolis on Feb 27, 2026.
Eli Stowers NFL Combine: 45.5-Inch Vertical Jump Breaks Tight End Record
Eli Stowers didn't just show up at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine — he blew the roof off Lucas Oil Stadium. The Vanderbilt tight end posted a 45.5-inch vertical jump on February 27, 2026, setting a new modern NFL Combine record for his position and claiming the second-highest vertical jump regardless of position in combine history since 2003.
Look, here's the thing: that's not just good. That's ridiculous. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound former quarterback followed that performance with an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump, establishing the longest measurement in combine history for tight ends dating back to 2003. Stowers' combine workout has vaulted him from a promising prospect to a legitimate Day 2 draft candidate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Record-Breaking Numbers That Demand Attention
Stowers' athletic profile is unprecedented for a tight end. His 45.5-inch vertical surpassed all previous tight end measurements at the combine, while his 11'3" broad jump represents the longest standing broad jump ever recorded by a tight end prospect. The Vanderbilt product also ran an unofficial 4.51-second 40-yard dash, which would have been the fastest among tight ends at the 2025 combine.
These numbers place Stowers in elite company. Only three players since 2003 — Nick Emmanwori, DK Metcalf, and Kenyon Sadiq — have run sub-4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, posted a 40-plus-inch vertical, and recorded an 11-plus-foot broad jump at 220-plus pounds. Stowers achieved similar production at a lighter 215 pounds, making his explosiveness even more remarkable.
College Production That Backs Up the Athleticism
The numbers from Stowers' college career at Vanderbilt validate his combine performance. In 2025, he caught 62 passes for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns on 85 targets, demonstrating his ability to produce at a high level against SEC competition. His season featured several standout performances: 4 catches for 46 yards against Missouri, 12 catches for 122 yards against Auburn, 6 catches for 36 yards against Kentucky, and 5 catches for 64 yards against Tennessee.
Across his entire college career spanning Texas A&M, New Mexico State, and Vanderbilt, Stowers accumulated 146 catches for 1,773 yards and 13 touchdowns, proving he can be a consistent offensive weapon at the collegiate level.
Why Stowers' Combine Performance Changes Everything
The significance of Stowers' workout extends beyond the raw numbers. As a former quarterback who transitioned to tight end, his athletic testing reveals a player with rare explosiveness and body control. The 45.5-inch vertical suggests exceptional leaping ability that translates to winning contested catches and creating separation at the top of his routes.
His 11'3" broad jump indicates explosive lower-body power that will help him as both a receiver and potential blocker. The unofficial 4.51-second 40-yard dash shows he possesses the speed to threaten defenses vertically while also working the middle of the field effectively.
What NFL Teams Are Getting in Eli Stowers
Stowers' unique background as a quarterback-turned-tight end gives him advantages that pure athletes often lack. He understands route concepts, coverage reads, and how to position himself against defenders. His 215-pound frame at 6'4" provides the size to compete in the NFL while maintaining the athleticism to create mismatches.
The Vanderbilt product's combine performance has likely cemented his status as a Day 2 draft pick, with teams in the second and third rounds now seriously considering his upside. His combination of production, athleticism, and positional versatility makes him an intriguing option for offensive coordinators looking to create matchup problems.
What to Watch: Stowers' Draft Stock and NFL Future
With the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23-25 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Stowers will undergo individual team workouts and interviews that will further shape his draft position. Teams will be particularly interested in his ability to transition his college production to the professional level and how his quarterback background translates to understanding complex offensive schemes.
The tight end position continues to evolve in the NFL, with teams increasingly valuing athletic, pass-catching threats who can also contribute in the run game. Stowers' historic combine performance positions him as exactly the type of player modern NFL offenses are seeking — a hybrid weapon who can line up in multiple formations and create problems for opposing defenses.
As teams finalize their draft boards following the combine, Stowers' name will be near the top of many lists for teams seeking to add explosive playmaking ability at the tight end position. His 45.5-inch vertical jump won't be the only thing that matters in the NFL, but it certainly got everyone's attention — and his college production suggests the athleticism translates to on-field results.