Brian Baldinger breaks down if the Denver Broncos should draft Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers

The DNVR Denver Broncos Podcast dives deep into the potential of Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers as a draft prospect for the Broncos, analyzing his unique blend of physical traits, college production, and quarterback background. Hosts Zach Stevens and Henry Chisholm debate whether Stowers—a 6'4", 239-pound receiver-type tight end with a 4.51 40-yard dash and 45.5-inch vertical—fits Sean Payton’s joker scheme. While his stats and freakish athleticism make him a tantalizing option, concerns about his blocking ability, limited role in college, and roster fit with existing tight end Evan Ingram create skepticism. The discussion explores whether the Broncos should trade up from their 62nd pick to secure him, with mixed opinions: Henry remains unconvinced due to the risk of redundancy and lack of blocking, while Zach sees value in Payton’s affinity for versatile, quarterback-turned-tight ends like R.J. Harvey. Guest Brian Baldinger weighs in, acknowledging Stowers’ potential but questioning his blocking readiness and suggesting the Broncos might be better off targeting a more traditional in-line blocker or a high-upside player at another position. The episode also covers alternative tight ends like Sam Rauch and Max Claire, and touches on broader team strategy, including Jonah Ellis’s potential move to linebacker and Davis Webb’s evolving play-calling role. Key takeaways include: 1) Eli Stowers’ elite physical tools and production make him a high-ceiling, high-risk pick; 2) His fit with Sean Payton’s creative offense is strong, but roster construction with Evan Ingram complicates his role; 3) The Broncos may not need a pure receiver-type tight end if they already have a blocking-heavy scheme; 4) A second-round pick may be too high for a player who could be a developmental project; 5) The team’s win-now mindset suggests they should prioritize immediate impact over long-term upside. Overall, the conversation reflects the tension between draft strategy and offensive identity, with no clear consensus on Stowers.