The Baltimore Ravens face important decisions regarding their tight end roster as the 2026 offseason unfolds. After committing to a late-2025 extension for franchise cornerstone Mark Andrews, the futures of backup tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar remain unclear. Likely, who has shown impressive development, appears to be the more significant figure Baltimore might need to replace, especially given his recent indications that a contract renewal may not be forthcoming. Despite general manager Eric DeCosta expressing a desire to retain the 25-year-old, other teams have demonstrated strong interest, likely driving his potential cost beyond the Ravens’ comfort zone. Several draft prospects can offer alternatives, but one standout, Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, notably elevated his draft value following an exceptional NFL Combine performance.
Eli Stowers’ Combine Results Elevate His Draft Stock Significantly
While Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq captured headline attention by posting the fastest 40-yard dash for a tight end since 2003 with a 4.39-second run, Eli Stowers also impressed with eye-catching metrics. Stowers clocked a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, achieved a 45.5-inch vertical leap, and recorded an 11-foot 3-inch broad jump—setting a new Combine record for tight ends. These feats underscore his athleticism and explosiveness, foundational traits for a dynamic receiving tight end.
Eli Stowers keeps doing insane things today. The @VandyFootball TE runs a 4.51u on his first go. 2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/8wHd7giNkC
Such standout performances position Stowers firmly among the top tight end prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, elevating him from a potential later-round pick to a strong candidate for early second-round selection.
45.5″ VERTICAL @VandyFootball TE Eli Stowers just put up the second-best vertical at the Combine since 2003. 2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/b2CmqHhxOJ
.@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
Potential Draft Strategy and Team Considerations
Given the substantial investment in Mark Andrews for the 2026 campaign, the Ravens are unlikely to prioritize selecting a tight end early in the draft. However, Baltimore has demonstrated a strong cultural emphasis on the position, and Andrews’ contract includes a team option that can create nearly $10 million in cap space if exercised before June 1, 2027. This could increase the organization’s flexibility to add a younger tight end as a potential future leader at the position under contract.
Stowers’ collegiate production backs up his athletic testing: in his final season at Vanderbilt, he caught 62 passes for 769 yards and scored four touchdowns, ultimately earning All-American honors. His skill set makes him appear to be an ideal long-term replacement for Isaiah Likely. Yet, due to his eye-popping Combine results, Stowers may now be considered beyond the Ravens’ likely draft position. Initially pegged as a top-two tight end in the draft class, his improved metrics may push him deeper into the early second round.
Draft Challenges and Competition for Stowers
The Baltimore Ravens hold the 45th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and selecting a tight end could depend on trades or later rounds. However, Stowers is anticipated to attract attention from teams with pressing tight end needs, including the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs. These teams could draft him before Baltimore has the opportunity to do so, forcing Baltimore to explore other options or prepare for alternate strategies.
While Isaiah Likely’s return to the Ravens is still possible, the team may also rely on Charlie Kolar to step into an increased role if Likely departs. In the event both veterans leave, the draft stands as the most logical venue for replenishing the position. Based on current projections, though, it seems unlikely that Eli Stowers will be the newcomer to take over tight end duties in Baltimore.
Eli Stowers keeps doing insane things today.
The @VandyFootball TE runs a 4.51u on his first go.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/8wHd7giNkC— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
45.5" VERTICAL@VandyFootball TE Eli Stowers just put up the second-best vertical at the Combine since 2003.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/b2CmqHhxOJ— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/2027535897248276867
