The Chicago Bears made their first true surprise pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Stanford tight end Sam Roush with the 69th overall selection.
The Bears had made their first trade of the draft in the second round, moving back from pick No. 60 in a trade with the Tennessee Titans and receiving pick No. 69 and 144 in exchange. Giving themselves two third round picks, and adding a fifth round selection in the process.
Making the trade signified that the Bears felt they could still find value at the top of their board by moving back, but the issue became who they spent the draft pick on, a position not in need, tight end. Chicago spent their 69th pick on a tight end, who actually had drawn comparisons to Bears veteran Cole Kmet in his pre-draft analysis projection.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)1 / 1How NFL experts graded the Bears' selection of Dillon Thieneman2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)After selecting Colston Loveland with their first round pick last season, and still having Kmet on the roster, the selection of Roush is quite confusing. Especially considering the Bears still need to address the offensive and defensive lines.
If you didn't think Ben Johnson was calling the shots before there is absolutely no question now
If Sam Roush could rush the passer like his great uncle Merlin Olsen, we'd all understand that pick better, right?
Someone explain the Sam Roush pick to me #InBenWeTrust
I DID NOT see Sam Roush coming...I actually really like Roush but I'm pretty surprised they are going TE early 3rd round.
I find selection of Stanford TE Sam Roush baffling, given needs on D-line and presence of Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. Roush replaces Graham Smythe on depth chart and is solid blocker with excellent pass-catching ability. But seems like could’ve been addressed later. #Bears
Sam Roush is very interesting for the #Bears....I had absolutely no expectation they'd take a tight end early. But Roush is a fantastic run blocker with elite athleticism. Upside is intriguing
Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush. 13 personnel? Ben Johnson man lol
Sam Roush 6’6”, 267 - Ideal Y-TE- Ideal size & frame- 9.94 RAS - Smooth route runner- Finds soft spots in zone coverage- Physical runner- 545 receiving yards in 2025- Solid as a blocker- 71.2 pass-blocking grade- Special teamer? pic.twitter.com/zywPZtO1tO
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) April 25, 2026
When does Sam Roush even see the field with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in front of him? Kmet played 768 offensive snaps (66.55%) and Loveland played 701 offensive snaps (60.75%)
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 25, 2026
Maybe Sam Roush can rush the passer? Has anyone considered this yet
I'm glad the #Bears chose a blocking tight end to replace Durham Smythe. Given Sam Roush is a third round pick, I hope he can develop into Cole Kmet's successor in a few seasons. pic.twitter.com/BEUNHLj5OP
— Barroom | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) April 25, 2026
If you're worried about where Logan Jones and/or Sam Roush got drafted, listen up: Both are maulers in the run game. Jones is one of the best pass blockers in recent memory. Roush is a bohemeth of a man. The #Bears got sniped on Jacas and decided to get their guys. Trust Ben.
— The Chicago Pope (@TheChicagoPope) April 25, 2026