While Chicago Bears fans were caught off guard by the team selecting Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a method to the madness behind general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson's selection.
Roush is more of a blocking tight end, but he had success in college catching the football, going for 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns last season at Stanford. The young tight end told the media that when he watched game tape of Johnson's offense, he knew he would be a fit for the scheme because of how much they use tight ends.
"It means we're going to get utilized," Roush said via The Score's Chris Emma. "You know he's always looking for ways to put us at the point of attack and get us the ball."
Bears will be using Roush early and often in 2026
Johnson has been known for using tight ends in his offense since his days as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He has always had a soft spot for tight ends, as he also coached the position for the Miami Dolphins.
It helps that the Bears already have 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet there at tight end. Roush is going to be a different element in the room that should help.
Chicago is using Roush as a replacement for Durham Smythe, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason. The Bears needed a blocking tight end with Smythe's departure, and there isn't a better blocking tight end in the draft than Roush.
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How all three tight ends get used in the offense in 2026 will be a fascinating part of the season, but it seems clear that Roush won't just be sitting on the bench, as Johnson will put him to work to help improve an already top-three rushing attack.