The Chicago Bears selected tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision raises questions about the future roles of Coleston Loveland and Cole Kmet in the team's tight end lineup.
What Bears' pick of TE Sam Roush means for Coleston Loveland and Cole Kmet originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears took safety Dillon Thieneman in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and then took center Logan Jones in Round 2.
Then, in the third round, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush.
After taking a tight end, the biggest question for the Bears is obvious: What does this addition mean for Coleston Loveland and Cole Kmet in the Bears' TE room?
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Chicago's tight end room is now aided by Roush, who will join Loveland, Kmet, Stephen Carlson, and Nikola Kalinic in the Bears' tight end room.
The depth chart is a bit interesting for Chicago now, but there is one thing to take note of: Loveland's role in the offense is not up for debate.
The selection of Sam Roush could impact Cole Kmet's playing time and responsibilities within the Bears' tight end rotation.
Sam Roush's addition may challenge Coleston Loveland's position on the roster and his opportunities for playing time.
After the 2026 draft, the key tight ends on the Bears' roster include Cole Kmet, Coleston Loveland, and the newly drafted Sam Roush.
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Loveland will remain the Bears' leading receiving threat from the tight end position, with Kmet and Roush firmly behind Loveland.
The more interesting question with this pick is now Kmet, who might see less playing time thanks to the Bears taking Roush, a younger and cheaper tight end option.
Roush is one of the best blocking tight ends in the class and will be a great addition to the offense for Ben Johnson.
Kmet's role might diminish with this draft pick, or he might even be traded, with Roush more than capable of filling in his role in the offense.
But, while there is some uncertainty with Kmet and Roush, Loveland will remain the starting TE for Chicago and for Caleb Williams.