ESPN expects Sam Roush to carve out key role for Bears

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Sam Roush continues to generate buzz during training camp, and ESPN's Ben Solak believes he's on track for a surprisingly significant role this season. Solak said he saw more first-team reps for Roush than expected and praised the former Stanford standout as one of his favorite prospects in the draft. At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds with a rugby background, Roush has the size and physicality to overwhelm defenders as a blocker. Solak believes that skill set makes him a natural fit for the hybrid fullback role that Durham Smythe filled at times during the 2025 season. Smythe logged 335 offensive snaps during the regular season and playoffs, but Solak projects Roush could surpass 400 snaps in 2026 if his role continues to expand. While Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet will headline Chicago's tight end room, Roush's versatility could make him one of the offense's most valuable under-the-radar contributors this season.