The Chicago Bears made a bold move in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Stanford tight end Sam Roush with the 69th overall pick. At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, Roush brings a combination of size, toughness, and physicality that should fit perfectly into Ben Johnson's offensive scheme. While he may not be a household name yet, his skill set as an elite blocker and high-upside player makes him an intriguing addition to a tight end room that already features last year's top-10 pick Colston Loveland and veteran Cole Kmet.
What sets Roush apart from many tight ends in this draft class is his immediate impact as a plus blocker. Scouts note that his power and burst allow him to consistently move defenders, though his relatively short arms could pose challenges against NFL-level assignments. Still, his ability to transition smoothly out of breaks in route running shows promise, and while he may not be elusive in the open field, his strength helps him break tackles against smaller defenders. His college production was modest, but his combine performance turned heads and hinted at untapped potential.
A three-year starter at Stanford, Roush worked primarily as an inline Y tight end in former head coach Frank Reich's offense. His journey to football started late—he didn't play until high school—but he quickly made up for lost time, improving his tape as both a receiver and blocker each season. His rugby background adds a unique edge; Roush prides himself on being the toughest and most physical player on the field, often finishing blocks through the whistle and moving defensive linemen against their will.
As a pass catcher, Roush's quickness at the snap helps him uncover in the short-to-intermediate parts of the field, though his catch-point consistency needs work—he posted a 12.5 percent drop rate in 2025. One of his former Stanford coaches summed it up best: "He will crush himself to do whatever it takes to win." That mentality, combined with his raw power and improving technique, makes Roush a player to watch as he develops alongside Chicago's talented tight end group.