The Chicago Bears are expecting third-round rookie tight end Sam Roush to make noise in his first season, and there is a good reason to believe that he can live up to the hype. Field Yates of ESPN listed Roush as one of the middle-round picks who can make a legitimate impact as a rookie.
The Chicago Bears could get a big year from rookie Sam Roush
The pick was initially questioned because the Bears already have two notable tight ends on the roster. However, the reality is that the team wants to lean into its three-tight-end offense.
Yates noted that the Bears used Durham Smythe on 25% of their offensive snaps last season. If they believe Roush is an upgrade over Smythe, it is easy to see how his role could grow quickly. In fact, the Bears could end up using three-tight-end sets on close to one-third of their offensive snaps this season.
One reason for that is the makeup of the receiver room. The Bears replaced D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus with Khalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas. While both additions can help the offense, there is a fair argument that Chicago lost proven production at wide receiver.
That could lead the team to rely more heavily on its tight ends. Still, just because Roush is on the field does not necessarily mean he will put up huge receiving numbers. His biggest impact may come from allowing the rest of the offense to function the way the Bears want it to.
The Bears can keep Rome Odunze and Luther Burden in their normal receiver roles. Cole Kmet can continue operating as the top traditional tight end. Roush can handle much of the blocking work that often falls on the second tight end.
By having Roush on the field, the Bears can move Colston Loveland around the formation and use him more like a receiver. Loveland is arguably the best pass catcher in the tight end room, but he may also be one of the best pass catchers on the roster overall.
If the Bears need a third tight end on the field, Roush can handle that role. If they want Loveland working from the slot, Roush helps make that possible. If they want Loveland lined up outside as a mismatch weapon, Roush helps there as well.
Loveland can move all over the formation, but the Bears need someone else to handle the responsibilities that come with playing a more traditional tight end role.
That is why Roush could have a bigger impact than many expect.
He may not put up massive statistics, but all indications are that he is going to have a role and see the field early as a rookie.
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