Tight ends are taking over the NFL, and the Chicago Bears are making sure they don't get left behind. Even with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already on the roster, the Bears used the 69th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Stanford's Sam Roush—a move that might look like a simple developmental pick on paper, but could pay off much sooner than expected.

ESPN's Field Yates is high on Roush, calling him a "premium athlete" who will make an "instant impact" as a day two draft pick. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Roush brings a versatile skill set that the Bears plan to use right away. According to Yates, Roush is expected to step into the TE3 role that Durham Smythe held last season—a role that saw Smythe play 25% of Chicago's offensive snaps and a whopping 50% of its special teams snaps in 2025.

This isn't just about filling a roster spot. The NFL is getting more role-specific with tight ends, meaning there are now real opportunities for three—or even four—different players to see the field. Just look at what the Buffalo Bills did in 2025: they already had Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, but drafted Jackson Hawes from Georgia Tech and found creative ways to use him from day one. The Rams and Steelers have shown similar trends, proving that depth at the position is becoming a competitive advantage.

Of course, the Bears will still lean on Loveland as a primary pass catcher and Kmet in key situations—Caleb Williams already has strong chemistry with both. But Roush is built to fill the gaps, whether that's blocking, special teams, or providing a reliable target in short-yardage situations. If Yates is right, this rookie will be more than just a depth piece; he'll be a key contributor from the very first snap.