Now that the draft class is officially on the Chicago Bears, it is time to start setting realistic expectations for these players. What should fans expect from Stanford tight end Sam Roush during his rookie year?
Setting expectations for Sam Roush's rookie season with the Chicago Bears
There have been 47 tight ends drafted between picks 50 and 100 since 2010. This is the right range to view Roush, who was never considered a first-half of round 2 player, but also was clearly in the round 3 mix. Of those tight ends, they averaged 18 catches for 197 yards and one touchdown. However, there were a lot of busts in that mix. From Kalahe Warring to Troy Niklas, these are not players you want to see compared to Roush.
If you take out the players who did not make it beyond their rookie contract, it narrows it to 27 tight ends. There are some high-end outcomes like Mark Andrews, Tucker Kraft, Trey McBride, Jonnu Smith, Brenton Strange, and Travis Kelce. There are also some lower comparisons like Tommy Tremble, Vance McDonald, and Josh Oliver. Either way, this sample of players averaged 21 catches for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns. This might be more in line with what fans should look for from Roush.
It is fair to note that Travis Kelce did not record a single receiving yard in his rookie season. So, if Roush does not hit the average benchmark, it is not the end of the world. However, Kelce joins Oliver, CJ Fiederowicz, Drew Sample, Nick Vannett, Brenton Strange, Darnell Washington, and Luke Schoomaker as the only tight ends in this range to be under 100 yards. It is not a bad group of tight ends, but not the best, either.
Still, last year the Bears' third tight end had 25 yards. So, unless Roush catches up to Kmet quickly, or the Bears change their playing style, this might be the group to look into for Roush. Darnell Washington is not a bad comparison to make.
Washington joined a crowded tight end room in Pittsburgh, and Pat Friermuth was the clear pass-catching option. Still, Washington got on the field as a blocker and performed better in every season, going from 61 yards to 200 and then 364 last year. Now, Pittsburgh is expected to extend him and use him even more.
So, 21 catchers for 238 yards is a realistic expectation, but as low as 61 yards is on the table.
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