Contrary to what the hype might suggest, Arch Manning isn't the only Texas Longhorns contributor with his eyes on the NFL. Yes, his supporting cast has come up lame, battling injuries and inconsistencies on the boundary, up front, and in the backfield. But this isn't a unit without talent or Sunday aspirations.
One co-star trying to tread water is tight end Jack Endries.
Through eight games, Endries has just 16 catches for 136 yards and two scores. After two 50-yard performances in the Longhorns' first two contests, his production has fallen off a cliff, thrusting his NFL Draft stock into uncertainty.
Endries' traits transcend production
Endries flashed enough traits against Ohio State in Week 1 to hand-wave some of the woes in production. Part of this trough is on him, of course, but Manning has been inconsistent, Texas prefers to pepper the perimeter, and the offense at large has lagged against SEC competition. What's more important is the athletic traits that help Endries get open over the middle of the field.
Endries is an easy mover, exemplified by his quick acceleration and smooth hips. This is most apparent in his route running, where he gets to his spots quickly underneath and can remain effective to the flat.
This ability to separate against zone coverage should translate to the next level. His ability to maneuver around contact, particularly with wall-tech linebackers, while retaining his speed on contested dig routes. That athleticism also aids him as a blocker; while it's far from perfect, his speed helps him get in position.
Okay so Arch Manning is finally getting comfortable now.
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) September 6, 2025
Jack Endries is a possibly nice draft pick at TE btw pic.twitter.com/ukiS4P7eXo
As a receiver, Endries can make the occasional play after the catch, and he's flashed the ability to make high-point, contested catches downfield. At 6'4", 236 pounds, he doesn't profile as an exceptional red zone threat, but the hands are real.
Endries isn't going to be asked to block a ton at the next level, especially attached to the offensive line. He's most comfortable on the ground in split-zone action, and competitive toughness isn't an issue.
Endries has distinct limitations
Endries' future will largely be spent in the slot. He's simply not big enough to take on NFL-level defensive ends and linebackers with any consistency. A lack of upper-body strength is apparent, as even with fine technique, he can be displaced and shed quickly.
This is the most pressing issue in his profile. In an NFL game splitting tight ends into three categories -- blocking specialists, slot dynamos, and elite hybrids -- Endries will hope to make his mark as a receiver. Asking him to block early and often would be a miscast of his skill set, and it threatens his projected playing time.
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He wins enough against defensive backs to stay on the field; that gives him a pathway to playing enough on early downs. However, that's coming in the slot, and Endries hasn't been productive enough to completely trust.
As a receiver, Endries' route running is better against zone than man. He isn't very deceptive, nor does he run a very expansive route tree. There's work to be done to unlock the athletic upside of his game.
Endries' NFL projection
Despite the top-100 hype and his best game coming against an elite Ohio State defense, Endries projects to be a high-level backup. In the right room, he can be a fringe starter as a rookie, but I struggle to see the type of tangible upside to be a top tight end in this class.
He isn't a strong enough blocker to see early-down, in-line usage. He'll make his money as a receiver on Sundays, but isn't the slam-dunk receiving option that is taking over the current landscape. Endries wouldn't be an above-average slot receiver if we removed the positional tag next to his name.
Subsequently, Endries lacks the high-level upside necessary to be a Day 2 pick, especially without positional value on his side. He makes enough plays to be considered an early-to-mid Day 3 selection, but without production to buoy his profile, his stock could plummet with a poor pre-draft circuit.
Endries has a relatively narrow range of outcomes, and with a median projection as a quality backup, he should slide in just past the top-100 picks in April.
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