Bears HC Ben Johnson Reveals the NFL Trend He's Ready to Exploit
Summary
The Chicago Bears used their third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select tight end Sam Roush. Head coach Ben Johnson explained this move fits a trend in the NFL where teams often use a defensive formation called the nickel, so the Bears want to use more heavy lineup sets with three tight ends to challenge defenses.Key Facts
- The Bears picked tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Roush had a strong college season at Stanford with 49 catches, 545 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
- The Bears already have tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet on the roster.
- Coach Ben Johnson noted many NFL teams use the nickel defense early and often in practice.
- The nickel defense uses five defensive backs instead of the usual four, making it lighter.
- Because defenses practice nickel so much, their traditional base defense with more linebackers and linemen is less practiced.
- Johnson wants to use heavier offensive lineups with three tight ends to force defenses into their less-practiced base look.
- The Bears had a strong offense last season, ranking high in rushing yards, total yards, and points scored.
- Chicago traded wide receiver DJ Moore but still has top receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.
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