The message came from tight end Jack Endries, a seventh-round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 NFL Draft, but it sounded more like a warning shot.
After waiting until Pick No. 221 to hear his name, one of the Bengals’ newest members isn’t arriving in Cincinnati grateful just to make the roster. Instead, he’s arriving angry and motivated.
And if his early comments are any indication, the rest of the NFL may have handed the Bengals a player carrying exactly the kind of chip-on-the-shoulder
mentality that has fueled some of the league’s biggest steals.
During a recent OTA session, Endries made it clear that he believes teams made a mistake by repeatedly passing on him throughout the draft process. The former Texas Longhorns tight end is using that slide as fuel entering his rookie season.
“A lot of frustration there, because I felt like I went really late, so I’m happy with the Bengals for picking me up,” Endries stated. “Every team that passed on me or took a different guy, I’m definitely going to go out there with a little more hatred towards them and punishment out there, so I’m just going to try and do my best to beat those teams.”
That mentality could fit perfectly in Cincinnati.
The Bengals have made it a point this offseason to add players with edge, toughness, and something to prove after a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended with a 6-11 record and extended the franchise’s playoff drought to three seasons. While much of the attention surrounding the draft centered on defensive additions like Cashius Howell and Tacario Davis, Endries may quietly become one of the more intriguing developmental pieces in the class.
At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Endries brings legitimate receiving production to the position. He totaled 124 catches for 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns during his college career between the California Golden Bears and Texas before declaring for the draft.
Now he heads to a Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow, where opportunities often emerge for reliable pass-catching tight ends willing to do the dirty work. But if Endries’ comments are any indication, simply earning a roster spot won’t satisfy him.
The Bengals drafted a seventh-round tight end. They also may have drafted a player already keeping score.
