Chiefs draft profile: Why Sam Roush is the missing link for K.C.'s run game

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach made it clear at the start of the offseason that the rushing attack has to improve. The Chiefs followed that up at the NFL Combine by essentially meeting with every running back with a pulse at the combine. They've also brought back Eric Bieniemy and hired a new running backs coach in DeMarco Murray. The Chiefs’ run game is hopefully going through a total makeover, including both scheme and personnel.

However, there seems to be a position being overlooked when it comes to the Chiefs’ run game woes. We know the Chiefs are heavily invested in their offensive line, but how about the other guys who block? The Chiefs’ tight ends are not an advantage in the blocking game. Travis Kelce, we know, is more of a receiver who does block but is not a plus in that area. Noah Gray is undersized and struggled as a blocker in 2025. Even the team's depth—Jared Wiley or Jake Briningstool—was not regarded first as strong blockers.

If the Chiefs want to get serious about improving their run game, adding quality blocking tight ends needs to happen. Otherwise, it's just ignoring a major issue for a position that is just as involved in the run-blocking game as offensive linemen. The Chiefs haven't had a fullback since Michael Burton, and they haven't had a good blocking tight end since Blake Bell. Both players were part of the 2022 roster, when the Chiefs’ ground game was at its best. It's time to bring in a real blocking tight end (and hopefully a fullback too).

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Sam Roush, Tight End, Stanford

Height: 6-6

Weight: 267 LBS

Arm Length: 30.63 inches

Hand size: 10 inches

Tape Exposure: Florida State (2025), Boston College (2025), Notre Dame (2025)

Shades of: Foster Moreau

Sam Roush Background

Sam Roush attended Valley Christian School in San Jose, California, before transferring to Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, he was the 11th-ranked tight end in the 2022 recruiting class. Roush’s uncles, Merlin (a Hall of Famer) and Orrin Olson, both played in the NFL, as did his grandfather Phil Olson. His father, Luke, played defensive back for Duke as well.

Roush appeared in 12 games each season of his four-year college career, finding the field as a true freshman. He totaled 1,201 yards and four touchdowns on 119 receptions for the Cardinals before entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sam Roush Strengths

Blocking

Roush is an extension of the offensive line as a run and pass blocker. He is a true Y-tight end who can put his hand in the dirt and carve out a run lane on the strong side of a formation. He can also be seen blocking edge rushers one-on-one in pass protection.

Athleticsm/ Profile

He posted an elite Relative Athletic Score at the combine, and it shows on tape with the ball in his hands. He has ideal size for an NFL tight end and NFL bloodlines. The Stanford product graduated early and was working on his graduate degree in computer science. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science with a 3.8 grade-point average and was named to the ACC All-Academic Team.

Yards after Catch

Roush is a strong mover after the catch with a nice combination of seam speed, power in his lower half, and body control.

Sam Roush Weaknesses

Passing Production

He was never a central part of the passing game at Stanford. He never had more than 550 yards in a season or more than two touchdowns. Watching the tape, you can see that Stanford valued his blocking most of all, but that limited him as a pass catcher.

Catch Point

Roush is not a natural hands catcher and had 13 drops in his college career, including seven in 2025. Despite his frame, he was below average in contested-catch situations with a 47.1% contested catch rate in his college career.

Holding Penalties

Roush was called for 12 penalties in his college career, most of which were holding. He needs to do a better job of using leverage on reach blocks so he doesn’t get too grabby.

How early is too early to address tight end?

Regardless of what Kelce or Noah Gray’s long-term futures are in Kansas City, it's hard to project Sam Roush as anything more than a TE2, but there's still lots of value in that role. Look at the impact A.J. Barner had on the Seahawks and their offense. That’s the type of player you hope Roush can be: a block-first tight end who can do something with the ball when given a chance. Day 2 shouldn’t be out of the question, but early Day 3 feels like the perfect spot for this role. Sam Roush or Eli Raridon could both help the Chiefs in that regard.

Sam Roush projects as a pro-ready Y tight end who brings strong leverage as a blocker and reliable pass protection skills. He runs disciplined routes, shows good speed up the seam, and creates tough yards after the catch. He’ll need to clean up occasional drops, improve his separation, and play with more strength at the catch point to maximize his impact.

Round Grade: Red Chip (3rd round grade)