Ourdraft-pick introductory seriesrolls on as we enter the seventh round for theCincinnati Bengals, where they made two selections. The featured player here: Texas tight end Jack Endries, pick No. 221 overall for theBengals.
As always,Dane Brugler's The Beastwill help guide the creation of this article and these facts.
Has caught passes from at least No. 1 overall pick, potentially two
Before Endries made it to Austin to join the Longhorns in 2025, he spent the first three years of his college career at California. His quarterback those three years? Some guy named Fernando Mendoza. The one who transferred to Indiana and gave the Hoosiers one of the greatest seasons in school history. The one who won the Heisman Trophy, went 16-0 and won the National Championship. The one who just went No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and is now the future of the Las Vegas Raiders.
But Mendoza may not be the only No. 1 pick Endries catches passes from. His current quarterback, Texas' Arch Manning, is the current favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Endries totaled 91 receptions for 1,030 yards and four touchdowns in two playing seasons at Cal with Mendoza. He posted 33 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns last season with Manning at Texas.
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Fantasy football helped Endries get into football
Football wasn't always Endries' No. 1 sport. He grew up playing soccer, swimming, and baseball. He didn't get into football until high school. The reason he got into football? His friends were playing fantasy football. Matthew Berry would be proud.
His sophomore season was in 2019. That was the year New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Michael Thomas went on a tear, catching 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. Hopefully, Endries had Thomas on his team.
Received recruiting help from fellow alum Zach Ertz
Endries attended Monte Vista High School in Danville, California (about 30 miles from San Francisco). Among the alumni of Monte Vista are linebacker Nate Landman, quarterback Jake Haener and longtime tight end and Super Bowl champion Zach Ertz.
Ertz ended up playing a role in getting Endries recruited in college. The 3-time Pro Bowl selection shared Endries' highlights on social media. That helped Endries receive offers from Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV as well as seven Ivy League schools. That was in addition to the offer he already had from Fresno State. Endries ultimately committed as a preferred walk-on to Cal and eventually received a scholarship.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire:Jack Endries fast facts: A sleeper gem rookie weapon for Joe Burrow?
