Sam Roush NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Chicago Bears TE

The Chicago Bears selected Stanford TE Sam Roush with the No. 69 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Stanford has a rich history of churning out NFL-caliber tight ends. Sam Roush is next in line with the talent to develop into something more. He presents untapped receiving upside that will entice NFL scouts. He also executed a wide range of blocks as part of the Cardinal offense.

The former 4-star recruit has played all 48 games during his collegiate career and went from a special-teams contributor to an every-game starter, during which he put up a career-best 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.

Roush is a workmanlike player who will do whatever a team needs, with growth potential as a reliable receiving threat.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Sam Roush highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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— Multi-functional player who brings in-line ability to go with the multitude of ways he can impact an offense as a blocker. He shines in pass protection and consistently works his hands to find proper leverage.

— The 6'6", 267-pound tight end showcases a well-balanced route tree and timing. Roush reads defensive leverage and can adjust his route while manipulating defenders in man coverage.

— With enough speed to work the seam, Roush can sell routes vertically. He also sinks his hips and decelerates at the top of his routes to create separation.

— Flashes the tools to catch the ball away from his body and turn upfield, while churning out physical yards after the catch. He plays with great effort.

Areas of Improvement

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— When blocking, Roush tends to create a wide base, which makes it difficult to absorb and redistribute power. He will lunge and lower his head, thus falling off some blocks.

— He must refine his technique since his film is littered with concentration drops and inconsistent hand placement when the ball is in the air (alligator arms).

— Fighting through contact in his routes, as well as at the catch point, will allow him to create more separation.

— Roush must continue to develop his feel for zone-coverage and locate soft spots to exploit in the passing game.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup/Starter Upside - Third Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson (7.0 in 2025), TE Cade Stover, Ohio State (7.2 in 2024), TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State (7.4 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 91

POSITION RANK: TE5

PRO COMPARISON: Tucker Kraft

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'6"
Weight: 267
Hand Size: 10"
Arm Length: 30 ⅝"
Wingspan: 76 ⅜"

40-yard dash: 4.7
10-yard split: 1.61
Vertical: 38.5
Broad: 10'6"
3 cone: 7.08
Shuttle: 4.37
Bench: 25