Chicago Bears select tight end Sam Roush in the third round of NFL draft

The Chicago Bears selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush with the No. 69 pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a 6-foot-6, 267-pound target to an offense that has been investing heavily in weapons for its young quarterback.

The Bears originally held two second-round picks but traded out of No. 60 with the Tennessee Titans, acquiring picks 69 and 144. The move down the board allowed them to accumulate additional draft capital while still landing a player they had targeted.

Roush spent four seasons at Stanford, appearing in 48 games and catching 49 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns during his senior season. He earned All-ACC Second Team honors, reflecting his consistent production in Stanford's pro-style offense — a system that typically produces NFL-ready tight ends because of its emphasis on blocking and route-running fundamentals.

The selection fills a clear need. The Bears have lacked a reliable in-line tight end who can both block in the running game and threaten the middle of the field in the passing game. Roush's size and blocking ability make him a natural fit for offensive coordinator decisions that favor 12-personnel groupings.

The Bears' draft strategy through the first three rounds has emphasized building around their quarterback with complementary pieces — adding weapons and protecting the pocket. Roush joins a draft class that has prioritized offensive production and should contribute in two-tight-end sets immediately.

**What This Means For You:** For Bears fans, Roush is a classic third-round value pick — a big, blocking-capable tight end from a pro-style college system. He won't be a fantasy star, but he'll make the running game better and open up play-action. For fantasy players, don't draft him, but watch his red-zone usage — a 6'6" target in the end zone can vulture touchdowns even in a limited role.