Whether Travis Kelce retires now or not, he’s not going to be around the NFL all that much longer. The NFL Draft could be the perfect place to find someone new.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid has a suggestion in a new article on Monday: The Chiefs should target Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stowers has one thing quite in common with Kelce: He grew up as a quarterback, only developing into a standout tight end in college.
He was the best target for Heisman finalist Diego Pavia the last two seasons, as the pair of them helped turn Vandy into a surprise winner.
Stowers began his college career as a QB at Texas A&M.
Only when he transferred to New Mexico State in 2023 did he start catching passes (35-366-2 that season).
Then he came with Pavia to Vanderbilt. In 2024, he had 49 grabs for 638 yards and five touchdowns.
This fall, Stowers caught 62 passes for 769 yards and four scores.
He’s big, athletic and skilled. He’d be the ideal replacement for Kelce, whether learning behind him for a year or stepping right in.
Patrick Mahomes would certainly like another tight end ready to go when Kelce steps away. Stowers could be that guy.
