Bengals Rookie Already Turning Heads After Impressive Preseason Performance

The Bengals may have struck gold with one of their late draft picks this offseason.

Aug 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jack Endries (84) reacts with tight end Cam Grandy (85) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off their preseason with a win over the Detroit Lions last week. But they didn't look impressive across the board. In fact, they didn't start the game too hot, as Joe Burrow was seemingly under pressure more often than not while he was in the game.

Still, there were a few big bright spots for Cincinnati. Cashius Howell was impressive as a pass rusher. He made an impact on each rep on the field. Howell was the Bengals' top draft pick this offseason, so that kind of impact is expected.

But the Bengals also received quite a bit of production from one of their late draft picks. Tight end Jack Endries, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, impressed for Cincinnati. Endries posted the second-highest PFF grade for a rookie tight end with a grade over 90 in the first week of the preseason.

Jack Endries Was Impressive in Preseason Week 1

Aug 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jack Endries (84) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Endries has a chance to make the roster as a depth option. In his preseason debut, he flashed the potential to be a playmaker with the ball in his hands after he took a crossing route for 17 yards by making multiple Lions defenders miss in space.

Endries was also on the receiving end of the only touchdown scored by the Bengals offense after Joe Flacco found the young tight end for the four-yard touchdown in the second quarter. If he can develop into a reliable red zone threat, the Bengals will almost certainly keep him on the roster and use him in specific packages on offense.

Endries has steep competition to make the roster and make an impact. Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki are well ahead of him on the depth chart. Erick All Jr. could be another player who gets a look before Endries as well.

Still, it was quite promising to see Endries show out in the first week of the preseason. He's going to need to continue this kind of play if he wants to crack the Week 1 roster.

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