The Chicago Bears drafted tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a continued emphasis on a run-heavy offensive scheme under head coach Ben Johnson. Roush is expected to contribute primarily as a blocking tight end, complementing the receiving skills of Cole Kmet and filling the void left by Durham Smythe.
The Chicago Bears addressed a specific need in their offensive scheme with their third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, choosing tight end Sam Roush with the 69th overall pick.
This pick signals a clear continuation of head coach Ben Johnson’s preferred offensive philosophy, heavily reliant on multiple tight end formations and a strong running game. While Roush may not immediately provide the explosive receiving threat some fans hoped for, his value lies in his proficiency as a ‘Y’ tight end – a role primarily focused on in-line blocking.
This is a crucial component of Johnson’s system, which thrives on creating advantageous running lanes and utilizing 12 and 13 personnel packages (formations with two and three tight ends respectively). The departure of Durham Smythe to Baltimore created a void in this area, and Roush is expected to fill that role effectively. Scouts within the Bears organization have emphasized the importance of versatility in the tight end room, and Roush’s skillset directly contributes to that goal.
The team views him as a player who can immediately contribute to both the running and passing aspects of the offense, albeit in a more foundational, less flashy manner. The selection of Roush is particularly insightful when considered alongside the Bears’ earlier pick of center Logan Jones at No. 57. Jones is a specialist in the gap running scheme that the Bears successfully implemented in the 2025 season with running backs Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift.
This pairing of a run-blocking tight end and a gap-scheme center underscores the team’s commitment to establishing a dominant ground attack. While current tight end Cole Kmet possesses solid receiving abilities and is considered a more versatile ‘two-way’ tight end, Roush’s strength lies squarely in his blocking prowess. This allows Johnson to deploy different tight end combinations based on specific game situations and opponent weaknesses.
The ability to seamlessly transition between 12 and 13 personnel sets is a key element of Johnson’s offensive strategy, and the addition of Roush ensures the Bears maintain that flexibility. According to Bears scout Trey Koziol, the coaching staff’s philosophy is simple: ‘the more the merrier’ when it comes to tight ends, recognizing the significant versatility they bring to the offense.
Tight ends coach Jim Dray previously expressed his enthusiasm for utilizing 13 personnel, highlighting the value the team places on having multiple capable blocking tight ends. NFL.com Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein provides further insight into Roush’s strengths and potential. He notes that in a draft class saturated with pass-catching tight ends, Roush stands out as a rare ‘plug-and-play’ option for in-line blocking.
Zierlein highlights Roush’s ability to execute both cut-off blocks in zone schemes and combo blocks in gap schemes, as well as his competence in pass protection. While acknowledging that Roush lacks the elusiveness of some receiving tight ends, Zierlein emphasizes his size, toughness, and ‘pro-ready’ blocking profile. He suggests that Roush’s success will depend on his ability to apply his physicality to win contested catches and expand his role beyond simply being a run blocker.
Roush’s college statistics – 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns during his time at the Cardinal, earning him Second-team All-ACC honors – reflect his primary role as a blocker. However, the Bears believe his size and willingness to engage in the physical aspects of the game will translate well to the NFL, making him a valuable asset in their evolving offensive system.
The Bears are clearly building an offense designed to control the line of scrimmage and wear down defenses, and Sam Roush is a key piece of that puzzle
Chicago Bears NFL Draft Sam Roush Tight End Ben Johnson Run Blocking Logan Jones Cole Kmet Offensive Line Football
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