Chicago Bears rookie tight end Sam Roush might have had a quiet preseason on the stat sheet over the course of three games, and it’s something that will likely continue into the regular season as the third tight end in Ben Johnson’s offense.

However, those inside the league are not overlooking what the rookie tight end can bring to this offense and how his impact is going to go well beyond the stat sheet in 2026.

NFL executives came away impressed by what Sam Roush showed in the preseason

On Tuesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic posted her 2026 “NFL Future Hits Lists” article highlighting 15 rising players in the league that will have a long-term impact. This was based on her own observations and conversations she had with league executives going into the regular season.

Sam Roush was included within that group of 15, a clear sign that the rest of the league is taking notice of this guy and the value he will bring to Chicago. Just look at some of the things various executives and team staffers had to say about Roush after the preseason.

“Versatile chess piece whose production won’t always show in the stat sheet,” AFC scout.

“Excellent size. Physical run blocker that can function at the POA (point of attack). Strong upper (body) to wrench and steer. Unique in that he’s a true Y with size and good testing numbers,” AFC executive.

“Certainly fits the (tight ends) trend in the league. Hands and run after (the catch) potential flashed in the preseason,” NFC executive.

As for Rodrigue’s assessment of Sam Roush, she believes Roush has “big potential in the passing game” and “may eventually become the No. 2” tight end for this offense down the road.

Sam Roush and Ben Johnson aren’t impressed, which is the scary part

Again, it’s worth noting that Sam Roush hasn’t been a difference-maker. Roush had just five receptions for 64 yards while playing a total of 131 snaps. He had a 73.1 pass blocking grade and a 53.9 run blocking grade. Even looking at the joint practices, Roush felt like there were clear areas where he could have done better individually.

“My Grandpa sent me some Twitter stuff that was saying I did a great job, I thought I did not have a good practice, I had like two good plays,” Roush said Monday. “I didn’t feel like my blocking was up to par, to be honest, I thought it was much better in the game. I was bummed with the way practice went, I was frustrated, and I was like “I gotta make up for it in the game’ and play well.”

That mindset will be what sets Roush up for success throughout his career. He’s not satisfied with what he did. And his coach is never going to be satisfied with anything but greatness. It’s a great recipe for him. And it’s going to take some time to get there.

“He’s building that trust,” Ben Johnson said ahead of the Titans’ joint practice. “There’s flashes where he gets you really excited. Is it at the level of consistency that we want yet? The answer is no – and I’m not surprised by that either. Yet I think he’s going to be a phenomenal football player for a long time in this league.”

Once this guy builds that trust and confidence, I can see the vision for what he could become. It won’t happen instantly going into the regular season, which is why he was included on the “future hits list” not the “present hits list” but people are taking notice.