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Jack Endries was the Cincinnati Bengals’ second-to-last pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, going 221st overall in the seventh round. The tight end out of Texas finished his college career with 124 receptions for 1,376 yards across four seasons at Cal and Texas. He caught passes from 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza at Cal before transferring to Texas for his final season.
Most draft analysts projected him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick before a run on tight ends pushed him into Day 3, giving Cincinnati a player they viewed as strong value late in the draft.
Zac Taylor made clear after the selection that the Bengals believe Endries can compete for a role quickly.
“Really good career. Two years at Cal, played with Mendoza, then he went to Texas and had a productive year there as well. We think he fits really good with our room to come in here and compete in all phases — special teams, run game, pass game. I feel like he has a really high ceiling,” Taylor said.
Less than two months later, Endries is already looking for ways to accelerate his development. The rookie tight end is attending the sixth annual Tight End University at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
Founded in 2021 by George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen, the three-day summit brings NFL tight ends together for film study, on-field drills, recovery work, rehab sessions and mentorship from top players and alumni at the position. This year’s event is the largest in TEU history, with more than 70 tight ends in attendance. Bengals veteran Mike Gesicki is also there.
The 2026 TEU group includes Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert, Sam LaPorta, T.J. Hockenson and Colston Loveland. For a seventh-round rookie trying to earn a roster spot, that kind of access matters. Endries has said he wants to focus on lower-body strength and speed, two areas that could help him heading into his first NFL training camp.
His path to Cincinnati’s 53-man roster likely starts with special teams. The Bengals’ tight end room already includes Gesicki and Tanner Hudson, and competition will be heavy once rookies report on July 25. Endries is unlikely to make the roster on receiving ability alone as a seventh-round pick, but he has a realistic chance if he can contribute on special teams and show enough as a pass catcher in camp and the preseason.
Endries was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and baseball in addition to football, and declared for the draft as an underclassman after completing his degree requirements early. He was also a guest of Mendoza at the 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony.
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Most draft analysts projected him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick before a run on tight ends pushed him into Day 3, giving Cincinnati a player they viewed as strong value late in the draft.
Zac Taylor made clear after the selection that the Bengals believe Endries can compete for a role quickly.
“Really good career. Two years at Cal, played with Mendoza, then he went to Texas and had a productive year there as well. We think he fits really good with our room to come in here and compete in all phases — special teams, run game, pass game. I feel like he has a really high ceiling,” Taylor said.
Less than two months later, Endries is already looking for ways to accelerate his development. The rookie tight end is attending the sixth annual Tight End University at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
Founded in 2021 by George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen, the three-day summit brings NFL tight ends together for film study, on-field drills, recovery work, rehab sessions and mentorship from top players and alumni at the position. This year’s event is the largest in TEU history, with more than 70 tight ends in attendance. Bengals veteran Mike Gesicki is also there.
The 2026 TEU group includes Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert, Sam LaPorta, T.J. Hockenson and Colston Loveland. For a seventh-round rookie trying to earn a roster spot, that kind of access matters. Endries has said he wants to focus on lower-body strength and speed, two areas that could help him heading into his first NFL training camp.
His path to Cincinnati’s 53-man roster likely starts with special teams. The Bengals’ tight end room already includes Gesicki and Tanner Hudson, and competition will be heavy once rookies report on July 25. Endries is unlikely to make the roster on receiving ability alone as a seventh-round pick, but he has a realistic chance if he can contribute on special teams and show enough as a pass catcher in camp and the preseason.
Endries was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and baseball in addition to football, and declared for the draft as an underclassman after completing his degree requirements early. He was also a guest of Mendoza at the 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Continue reading...
