Chicago Bears Draft TE Sam Roush at No. 69: Instant Grade and Analysis

The Chicago Bears pulled a surprise with their first pick in the third round at No. 69 overall with the selection of Stanford tight end Sam Roush.

Few analysts (if any) had tight end at or near the top of the Bears' 2026 NFL draft needs. The fact that Ryan Poles used a premium selection on the position is a head-scratcher, to say the least.

Roush started all 12 games for the Cardinal in 2025 and finished with 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns.

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"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," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote. "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. He 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 won't compete with Colston Loveland for pass-catching reps anytime soon, and appears poised to eventually replace Cole Kmet as the team's blocking-first tight end.

Still, Roush is a quality athlete who will give Ben Johnson another weapon in his arsenal to keep defenses guessing.

Sam Roush is a solid football player, but for a Chicago Bears team that has much bigger needs elsewhere on the roster, spending a top-70 pick on a tight end feels foolish.

Grade: C-