Six of the seven Texas Longhorns invited to the NFL Combine have now heard their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of tight end Jack Endries with the No. 221 overall pick in the sixth round on Saturday by the Cincinnati Bengals.
As a dependable tight end with solid hands and natural ball skills, Endries is expected to challenge NFL defenses as a pass catcher.
Endries’ career began as a three star prospect out of Danville (Calif.) with a commitment to Cal’s walk-on program. After redshirting his first year on campus, Endries burst onto the scene in 2023, starting all 13 games while tallying 35 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns. He was recognized as a Freshman All-American and became the security blanket for future Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Endries followed this campaign with an excellent season in 2024. Despite defenses placing a greater emphasis on shutting him down, Endries led the team with 56 receptions for 623 yards and two touchdowns. He had a particularly dominant three-game stretch during which he snagged two touchdowns and produced back-to-back 100-yard performances.
During his two seasons at Cal, Endries recorded 1,030 receiving yards, which was the most by any returning Power Four tight end entering the 2025 season.
After the 2024 season, Endries committed to Texas, a decision he has said paid dividends.
“The coaching staff,” Endries said. From my first game at Ohio State to my 13th against Michigan, I look totally different. Better technique.”
As a Longhorn, Endries recorded 32 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a slight dip in production, NFL scouts remain excited about Endries’ hands, ability to find soft spots against zone coverage, and how he can stretch a defense vertically.
After watching Ja’Tavion Sanders and Gunnar Helms, it was evident from the season opener that Sarkisian and company found another NFL-worthy tight end. In an offensive struggle against Ohio State, Endries led the Longhorns in receiving yards.
He followed up that performance by catching two touchdowns against San Jose State while grading at 80.8, according to Pro Football Focus.
As the season continued, Endries established himself as a pass-catching threat that can stretch defense vertically and carve out space against zone looks.
In February, Endries participated in the NFL Combine. Measuring at 6’5, 245 pounds, Endries uses his frame well to box out defenders and win contested catches. At the next level, he will likely need to add more strength to his frame as his blocking can be hit or miss.
Endries’ other measurements included a 4.62 40 with a 1.59 10-yard split, a 360inch vertical, and a 9’11 broad jump.
Compared to other tight ends, Endries’ physical attributes are relatively on par. He excels at using his body, but doesn’t possesses the quickness or top-end speed to generate many yards after the catch. His build-up acceleration was evident at Texas when involved in the screen game. When Endries got a head of steam, he was dangerous, but many screen attempts were thwarted before much success.
Endries’ hands remain a strength, although he did struggle at Texas with drops. In two seasons at Cal, Endries dropped a single pass on 94 targets compared to four drops on 51 targets at Texas. The spike suggests some inconsistency, but his overall body of work points to reliable mitts.
Throughout the combine, Endries reinforced what showed up on tape — natural space creation, good use of his body, and strong hands through contact. While his blocking skills still need improvement, Endries cemented his value as a quarterback’s friend that can move the chains.
Overall, Endries has the skills to carve out a role in the right system with enough upside to develop into a multi-tool threat if he can improve his blocking.
