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Bears Draft Surprise: A Third-Round Tight End Enigma
25 Apr
Summary
- Chicago selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush with the 69th overall pick.
- The Bears traded back in the third round to acquire the pick from the Titans.
- Roush possesses impressive size at 6-foot-6 but had only average college production.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears used their No. 69 overall selection to pick Stanford tight end Sam Roush. This pick was acquired through a trade with the Tennessee Titans, who sent the 60th pick to Chicago in exchange for picks No. 69 and No. 144.
The decision to draft Roush has raised eyebrows, as the Bears already have a strong tight end corps with Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. The team recently restructured Kmet's contract and he has indicated his commitment to staying with the team.
Roush's college production was considered average, with his best season in 2025 yielding 545 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His most notable attribute is his significant size, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 267 pounds, suggesting a potential role as a blocking tight end. However, expending a third-round pick on such a player is viewed as questionable by many.
The NFL Draft's Day 2, encompassing Rounds 2 and 3, took place on Friday, April 24, starting at 6 p.m. CT. Day 3, covering Rounds 4 through 7, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, beginning at 11 a.m. CT.
