The focus this offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals was clear: improving their defense. As a result, most of their assets were utilized in addressing this issue.
In free agency, the Bengals signed three defensive starters to contracts worth a combined $125 million. Additionally, the team used their three best draft assets on defensive players. They traded their first pick in exchange for three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, and then selected pass rusher Cashius Howell and cornerback Tacario Davis in the second and third round.
After those moves, the Bengals shifted their focus toward the team’s already explosive offense. And, now during rookie minicamp, one Bengals draft pick made it clear he is not satisfied with where he was selected, sending a message to the NFL teams that passed on him.
Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Sends Strong Message
Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Jack Endries, who the team selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, shared that he was frustrated with the fact he fell to the seventh round.
Endries told Jeremy Rauch of Fox 19, “A lot of frustration there because I felt like I went really late, so I’m happy with the Bengals for picking me up. 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.”
“I had some rage in me, like playing, playing like little league baseball. Strike out, you might throw the bat or something,” Endries added. “So it’s always been there, just competitive and hate losing and, I don’t like losing to anyone.”
Regarding Endries’ comments, Bengals on SI’s Zach Pressnell wrote:
“This kind of competitiveness is a huge trait to have if it can be harnessed. For Endries, it’s nothing new. He’s been this kind of competitor for most of his life.
The Bengals may have hit the jackpot with this selection. After losing Noah Fant in free agency, they needed to add a tight end who could make plays for the offense in a rotational role. Landing Endries late in the draft could be more beneficial than most fans realize.”
Jack Endries Player Profile
Endries was viewed as one of the Bengals’ best value picks. He was the 221st selection in the draft; however, he was ranked by The Ringer’s Todd McShay the No. 159 overall prospect and No. 11 tight end.
Regarding Endries, McShay wrote:
“Endries is a versatile, movement-based tight end whose value lies in his alignment flexibility, reliable hands, and vertical and YAC capability. His early production at Cal indicated that he was a potential breakout player, but a reduced role at Texas capped his statistical ceiling and left some projection questions about usage-dependent impact.
As a receiver, he wins because of his feel, speed, and efficiency rather than his elite separation quickness. Endries shows a strong understanding of spacing and timing, particularly in zone and play-action concepts, where he can sell routes and uncover cleanly. He’s not especially sudden in and out of breaks and lacks the size to consistently overpower defenders, but he compensates with savvy stem work and subtle push-offs to create throwing windows.”
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