NFL Draft Profile: Stanford’s Sam Roush Is Interesting Developmental Option originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots can take their pick of positions to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.

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It’s easy to see them targeting someone who can rush the passer, depth options at linebacker and/or tight end, competition along the offensive line, someone who can provide a spark to the skill position group, and… well, pretty much anything else you can think of.

I just don’t think they can do it all…

If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will need to prioritize things perfectly and put together another superb draft class — which might just include Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush:

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Bio:

Sam Roush
Position: TE
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 267 lbs
Hand: 10″
Arm: 30 5/8″
Scouting Combine: 4.70 (40), 38.5″ (Vertical), 10′ 6″ (Broad), 7.08 (3-Cone), 4.37 (Short Shuttle), 25 (Bench Press)
2025 Stats: 12 G, 49 REC, 545 REC YDS, 2 TD

Pros: 

Roush served as an extension of the running game during his time with the Stanford Cardinal, and eventually developed into the program’s most reliable option in the passing game across 2024 and 2025.

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ELITE IN-LINE BLOCKER (PROTOTYPE AT ‘Y’)

FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND, CONTINUES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE BLOCKER NO MATTER THE COMPETITION

GREAT TEMPO IN RUNNING GAME AND PASSING GAME, ALWAYS GOES BALLS TO THE WALL

PHYSICAL WITH THE FOOTBALL, RUNS THROUGH CONTACT

Cons: 

Roush is an outstanding athlete, but even though his floor is relatively high there are questions as to whether he can reach his ceiling. If you take him, it could be a long journey toward making him a consistent contributor.

ROUTE-RUNNING LACKS NUANCE

UNINTENTIONALLY FUNNY AT TIMES, KIND OF GOOFY

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Grade and Player Comparison: 

Roush checks all of the boxes — athletic, has several elite traits, fits any and every system — and will certainly force a few organizations into falling in love with him.

Can he reach his potential? Is the floor high enough to make him a priority? Where should he be drafted?

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Roush, much like every other prospect that finds itself in consideration to be drafted, will eventually be the person to answer those questions, though with others the answers are typically a bit easier to forecast…

GRADE: 77/100
PLAYER COMP: Pat Freiermuth

The Patriots ______ Sam Roush:

“already have their”

Roush would have made all the sense in the world before the organization committed decent money to veteran tight end Julian Hill and fullback Reggie Gilliam — who not only do all of the same stuff, but are proven commodities and believed to be able to extend their responsibilities within their new system.

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Roush will find his role elsewhere, and that team will be the one who tries to mold him into what we all believe he could be.

More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026