NFL 2026
SR #87
TE · #87 Chicago Bears

Sam Roush

Tight End · Stanford

Rookie tight end taken by Chicago in the 2026 draft to upgrade the Bears' pass-catching room around Caleb Williams.

Sam Roush was one of the Bears' key 2026 draft additions, brought in to deepen a tight end room that had been a relative weakness in Chicago's passing attack. He joins Caleb Williams and the newly added Marvin Mims Jr. as Ben Johnson looks to push Williams' completion percentage and overall efficiency in year three.

2026 NFL Draft pick (Chicago Bears)

Path to the league

Selected by Chicago in the 2026 NFL Draft. Joins a Bears offense that made the playoffs in 2025 and is looking to take a step forward with an upgraded skill position group around Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson's system.

Role with Chicago

Expected to contribute in the underneath passing game, an area Ben Johnson's offense has consistently targeted. His arrival gives Williams a reliable seam option that the Bears lacked in 2025, when tight end production ranked among the league's lowest.

Sources

  • ESPN: NFC North offseason recap
  • Chicago Sun-Times: Bears 2026 draft analysis

Player Profile

87
Jersey
6' 5"
Height
260 lbs
Weight
Rookie
Experience

Background

Position
Tight End
Group
offense
College
Stanford
Hometown
Nashville, TN, USA
Age
22
Status
active