Analysis of Seventh-Round Draft Picks by the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals

May 10, 2026, 11:47
USSports

Introduction

The Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals have completed their seventh-round choices in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting wide receiver Deion Burks and tight end Jack Endries.

Main Body

The Indianapolis Colts used the 254th overall pick to select Deion Burks, a 23-year-old wide receiver from Oklahoma. During his college career, Burks had 58 receptions for 617 yards and four touchdowns. Although some scouting reports mentioned that he struggled with certain routes and had inconsistent results, he has an impressive athletic score of 9.11. Consequently, the Colts believe he can be used in different ways. Scout Mike Lacy emphasized that Burks is strong enough to play outside the slot, while General Manager Chris Ballard suggested he could also help in the return game. Interestingly, Burks was drafted 254th despite being ranked 96th by many experts. At the same time, the Cincinnati Bengals selected tight end Jack Endries with the 221st pick. Endries moved from the University of California to the University of Texas in 2025. While at California, he recorded 91 receptions for 1,030 yards and four touchdowns. Later, during his season at Texas, he added 33 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, his recruitment was supported by former player Zach Ertz on social media, which gave Endries more college options after he originally joined California as a walk-on.

Conclusion

Both teams have added late-round players with different college experiences to strengthen their offensive lineups.

Learning

⚡ The 'Logical Bridge' Technique

At the A2 level, you likely use simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to use Connectors of Contrast and Result. These words act as bridges that make your writing sound professional and fluid rather than choppy.

🌉 The Shift from A2 →\rightarrow B2

Look at how the article moves away from simple sentences to create a complex flow:

  • The "Even Though" Logic (Contrast)

    • A2 Style: He had some problems. He has a high athletic score.
    • B2 Style: "Although some scouting reports mentioned that he struggled... he has an impressive athletic score."
    • Coach's Tip: Use Although at the start of a sentence to show that a positive fact exists despite a negative one.

  • The "Therefore" Logic (Result)

    • A2 Style: He is athletic. The Colts will use him in many ways.
    • B2 Style: "Consequently, the Colts believe he can be used in different ways."
    • Coach's Tip: Consequently is a high-level replacement for so. Use it when one fact directly causes the next action.

  • The "Adding More" Logic (Expansion)

    • A2 Style: He had 91 receptions. He also had 33 receptions at Texas.
    • B2 Style: "Furthermore, his recruitment was supported by..."
    • Coach's Tip: Stop using and to start every sentence. Furthermore signals to the reader that you are adding a heavyweight piece of evidence to your argument.

Quick Reference Guide

A2 WordB2 UpgradeFunction
ButAlthough / DespiteShowing a surprise/conflict
SoConsequentlyShowing a logical result
And / AlsoFurthermoreAdding a new point

Vocabulary Learning

completed (v.)
finished; carried out to the end
Example:The team completed the draft strategy before the deadline.
seventh-round (adj.)
relating to the seventh round of a selection process
Example:He was picked in the seventh-round of the draft.
choices (n.)
options or alternatives to select from
Example:The coach had several choices for the starting lineup.
selecting (v.)
choosing or picking out
Example:They were selecting players based on performance.
wide receiver (n.)
a football position that specializes in catching passes
Example:The wide receiver ran a route down the sideline.
tight end (n.)
a football position that serves as both a receiver and a blocker
Example:The tight end lined up next to the offensive line.
overall (adj.)
considering everything; in total
Example:Overall, the team's performance improved.
pick (n.)
a selection or choice; in sports, a draft selection
Example:He was the team's first pick in the draft.
scouting (n.)
the process of evaluating talent
Example:Scouting reports highlighted his speed.
inconsistent (adj.)
not steady or reliable
Example:His performance was inconsistent during the season.
impressive (adj.)
evoking admiration through quality or skill
Example:She made an impressive catch in the final quarter.
athletic (adj.)
having or showing physical strength and agility
Example:He has an athletic build that helps him in tackles.
consequently (adv.)
as a result; therefore
Example:Consequently, the team decided to trade.
outside (prep.)
located or positioned beyond the center or inner part
Example:He will play outside the slot receiver.
slot (n.)
a position between the line of scrimmage and the sideline
Example:The slot receiver runs quick routes.
general (adj.)
relating to the overall or main aspects
Example:The general manager approved the trade.
manager (n.)
a person who supervises or controls operations
Example:The manager called the final decision.
suggested (v.)
proposed or recommended
Example:The coach suggested a new strategy.
return (n.)
the act of coming back or a play that brings the ball back
Example:The return game is crucial in college football.
walk‑on (adj.)
a player who joins a team without being recruited or drafted
Example:He was a walk‑on who earned a scholarship.