Eli Stowers had a record-setting performance at the NFL Combine on Friday night. Overshadowed by Kenyon Sadiq’s blazing 40-yard dash time, the 2025 John Mackey Award winner impressed in his own right.
In showing off his outstanding leaping ability, Stowers set an all-time tight end record with a vertical jump of 45.5 inches and broke a record with a broad jump of 11-foot-3 inches. At 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, Stowers has always been noted as undersized for the tight end position.
More of a big wide receiver type playmaker, the athleticism and field awareness are what sticks out about Stowers as an 2026 NFL draft prospect.
But, what about the speed?
How was Eli Stowers’ 40-time at the 2026 NFL Combine?
Stowers had an impressive NFL Combine outing which was highlighted by 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds, which tied him with SMU’s RJ Maryland for second. Any other year, this would have been a top time amongst tight ends, but the night belonged to Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq who ran a blazing 4.39 seconds. Oklahoma’s Jaren Kanak (4.52) and SMU’s Matthew Hibner (4.57) rounded out the top 5 performances of the night.
Eli Stowers keeps doing insane things today.
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
The @VandyFootball TE runs a 4.51u on his first go.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/8wHd7giNkC
Other notable prospects include Wyoming’s John Michael Gyllenborg (4.60), Texas’ Jack Endries (4.62) and Houston’s Tanner Koziol (4.70). While Stowers came in second at the 2026 NFL Combine, his 4.51 would’ve been tops in 2025. Oregon’s Terrence Ferguson recorded the top speed amongst tight ends at the 2025 combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.63.
How Eli Stowers’ 40 time compares to other 2026 tight end prospects?
Player | Time |
|---|---|
Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) | 4.39 |
RJ Maryland (SMU) | 4.51 |
Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) | 4.51 |
Jaren Kanak (Oklahoma) | 4.52 |
Matthew Hibner (SMU) | 4.57 |
John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming) | 4.60 |
Marlin Klein (Michigan) | 4.61 |
Fastest 40-yard dash times for tight ends in NFL history:
Player | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|
Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) | 4.39 | 2026 |
Vernon Davis (Maryland) | 4.40 | 2006 |
Dorin Dickerson (Pitt) | 4.40 | 2010 |
Evan Engram (Ole Miss) | 4.42 | 2017 |
Although Sadiq took over the top spot from a current and historical standpoint, Stowers projects to be a top-level tight end in the NFL. At his ceiling, he could be somewhere between a Vernon Davis and an Evan Engram at the next level.
With his record-setting vertical jump, the Vanderbilt product will be an even bigger target at the NFL level. Drawing comparisons to Travis Kelce in his ability to read and find spots in the zone, Stowers will elevate more as a big receiver, especially with his leaping ability and run after the catch.
NFL teams targeting Stowers include the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens who could be looking to replace Isaiah Likely. In all, Stowers should be an early Day 2 lock in the 2026 NFL Draft.