Sam Roush Draft Grade | Round 3, Pick 5 | FanVerdicts

D-

Bottom 12%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

TE · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #120 · Day 3 Sleeper

Sam Roush emerged as one of Stanford's most reliable offensive weapons over his three-year career, evolving from a raw athlete into a polished receiving threat with legitimate NFL upside. The Cardinal tight end showcased exceptional hands and route-running precision in David Shaw's pro-style offense, consistently creating mismatches against linebackers in coverage. His draft stock has climbed steadily following a breakout senior season where he demonstrated improved blocking technique and expanded route tree. Roush projects as a classic move tight end who can align inline, in the slot, or split wide, offering offensive coordinators significant flexibility in 12 and 11 personnel packages.

Strengths

+Exceptional hands and catch radius allow him to secure passes in traffic and extend beyond his frame for off-target throws, rarely dropping catchable balls.

+Precise route-running with sharp breaks and excellent body control enables him to create consistent separation against linebackers and safeties in coverage.

+High football IQ and route concept understanding make him a reliable target in option routes and hot reads against pressure.

+Versatile alignment ability allows him to line up inline, in the slot, or split wide, creating favorable matchups across multiple personnel groupings.

+Strong competitive toughness and willingness to work over the middle of the field despite taking punishment from linebackers and safeties.

+Solid run blocking technique with good hand placement and leverage, showing steady improvement in drive blocking assignments.

+Excellent body positioning and timing on comeback routes and curls, consistently finding soft spots in zone coverage.

+Natural pass catcher who tracks the ball well in flight and maintains focus through contact, rarely letting defenders disrupt his concentration.

+Good release package against press coverage from linebackers, using subtle hand fighting and body positioning to create initial separation.

+Reliable target in red zone situations with good body control near the sidelines and ability to shield defenders from the ball.

Weaknesses

-Limited athleticism and straight-line speed prevent him from consistently stretching the seam or creating explosive plays downfield against safeties.

NFL Comparison: Tyler Kroft

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

Fan Discussion

Live Chat

1 watching

Loading chat...