The Chicago Bears had an impactful rookie class, led by tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach. Now, the hope is this second draft class can have a similar impact, and third-round tight end Sam Roush might just play a key role.
Roush was one of the biggest surprises for Chicago in the draft given they have already had two impactful tight ends in Loveland and Cole Kmet. But given Johnson’s penchant for 12 and 13 personnel, as well as Durham Smythe’s departure, having a solid third tight end is key for this Bears offense to run.
While Roush won’t be a focal point, ESPN’s Field Yates dubbed him as a Day 2-3 pick with instant impact potential in 2026.
Roush has an assortment of tight end skills, being a premium athlete for his 6-foot-5, 260-pound size. He figures to assume the valuable TE3 role that Durham Smythe played for the Bears last season, along with being a major special teams factor.
Roush should see the field plenty considering that Smythe played 25% of Chicago’s offensive snaps and 50% of its special teams snaps in 2025.
The Roush selection is one of several from this draft class that appear to be handpicked by Johnson, so it’s clear that the second-year head coach has big plans for his third-round tight end as the Bears offense looks to take another step forward in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Why Bears rookie TE Sam Roush has instant impact potential
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
