Bears HC Ben Johnson Reveals the NFL Trend He's Ready to Exploit
Ben Johnson has a plan to exploit a growing NFL trend. See how it ties into the Bears' surprising pick of TE Sam Roush.
The Chicago Bears have expanded their roster with the addition of tight end Sam Roush, selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie standout from Stanford showcased his skills with 49 catches, 545 yards, and two touchdowns in his senior year, earning him second-team All-ACC honors. Despite the Bears already boasting a promising tight end in Colston Loveland and the seasoned Cole Kmet, Roush's inclusion makes strategic sense.
Head coach Ben Johnson revealed that this move aligns with a noticeable trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly adopting nickel or big nickel packages earlier in the preseason, sometimes as early as Day 1. By adding Roush, Johnson gains the flexibility to deploy heavier personnel, such as three tight ends, to catch defenses off-guard when they typically rely on their more-practiced nickel package.
This move bolsters Chicago's offensive prowess, which topped the league in rushing yards per game, and positions the team for continued success.
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