The NFL offseason is gaining momentum as the free agency window opens tomorrow at 3 p.m. CT, following the recent NFL Combine. Among the Texas Longhorns, seven players have declared for the draft, increasing their chances of securing a spot on an NFL roster by April 25. Today, we focus on tight end Jack Endries, whose performance has been evaluated in detail.
Endries, who emerged as a three-star recruit from Danville, California, made an immediate impact at Cal, starting all 13 games in his freshman year. He continued this trend into his sophomore season, where he became a key receiving option for future Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Transitioning to Texas as a four-star prospect and the fourth-ranked tight end in his class, Endries again started every game.
As a player, Endries is characterized as a prototypical F-tight end with added versatility as an H-back. He consistently demonstrates the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, effectively boxing out defenders, and making catches outside of his body frame. His concentration and strength allow him to secure the ball even in contested situations. In the running game, he positions himself well, sealing angles and creating cutback opportunities.
His route running is smooth, and he accelerates impressively, evidenced by his performance in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. After a minor injury forced him to leave the East-West Shrine Bowl early, his impressive Combine results were particularly crucial. Endries excelled in the vertical jump, alleviating some concerns regarding his athletic potential.
Endries is adept at maximizing his receptions, consistently seeking yards after the catch. His ability to bluff assignments adds value in the eyes of innovative offensive coordinators. Over three productive seasons in two different offensive schemes, he has started every game and is just over 22 years old.
While Endries performed well at the Combine, he lacks standout speed or strength. Standing at 6″5″ and weighing 245 lbs, he is considered to have an unfilled frame, which could limit his speed if he gains weight. His lighter frame can hinder his effectiveness at the point of attack, restricting his role in 11 personnel and as an inline blocker. He struggles with run blocking, often missing assignments at the second level, and has difficulties separating on shorter routes where he can”t build speed.
Although he is always looking for yards after the catch, his lack of strength and speed limits his potential as a run-after-the-catch threat. Endries” production declined during his time with the Longhorns, as reflected in his PFF grades. However, this drop seems more attributable to a misfit offensive scheme rather than a lack of ability to compete at a higher collegiate level. It”s worth noting that Endries did improve in both touchdown receptions and run-blocking grades.
In summary, Jack Endries stands out as a safety-blanket tight end with an impressive college resume for his age. Despite certain physical limitations that may restrict his ceiling, he remains just 22 years old, offering ample opportunity for development as a player and athlete.
