The Chicago Bears have used the 69th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush.
Roush’s addition fits with what the Bears like to do under head coach Ben Johnson, and even follows their trend of surprising selections at the position. However, Roush could step into a key role right away.
That is, so long as he proves he is ready to handle what has been a versatile role.
Bears Add ‘Plug-and-Play’ TE in Sam Roush
Sam Roush Could Help Bears Right Away
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Roush to Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, projecting him to go in the third round, just as he did with the Bears.
“In a draft landscape full of pass-catching tight ends, Roush stands out as one of the few plug-and-play ‘Y’ tight ends (in-line blocking TE) available. He can make cut-off blocks in zone and combo blocks in gap schemes. He holds his own in pass protection, too. As a receiver, he’s not stiff, but he lacks elusiveness underneath,” Zierlein wrote.
“Needs to apply more of his tough playing style to win combat catches and expand his role beyond run blocker/zone beater. While his catch production might draw questions, his size, toughness and pro-ready blocking profile could push him into Day 2 consideration.”
Roush finished his time at Stanford with 119 receptions, 1,201 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
The Bears landed this selection after a trade sending pick No. 60 to the Tennessee Titans for Nos. 69 and 144.
Sam Roush’s Fit in Chicago
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said that Roush’s addition has no bearing on Cole Kmet, who has expressed confidence that he would be with the club amid trade speculation.
Instead, Roush profiles more readily as a replacement for Durham Smythe, who filled an H-back role for the Bears last season. Smythe followed former offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency this offseason.
The Bears’ offense will still revolve around Kmet and 2025 first-rounder Colston Loveland at TE.
They also have veteran practice squadders Nikola Kalinic and Stephen Carlson under contract, though they could be battling for one training camp spot after the Bears selected Roush.