Stanford Tight End Impressed with Detroit Lions After Informal Meeting

Sam Roush sees a great culture and solid team in Detroit as a potential landing spot in the NFL Draft.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Stanford tight end Sam Roush had a positive impression of the Detroit Lions after an informal meeting with the team at the NFL Combine. Roush praised the Lions' culture and recent success, and sees the team as a potential fit given head coach Dan Campbell's background as an NFL tight end. While Roush's production numbers were somewhat down last season, he impressed with his athleticism at the Combine and could be a mid-round draft option for the Lions, who may need tight end depth with the uncertain status of their current starter, Sam LaPorta.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to continue building a competitive roster under Dan Campbell, and adding a versatile tight end like Roush could provide depth and long-term potential at the position. Roush's meeting with the team suggests Detroit is doing its due diligence on potential mid-round options to complement or eventually replace LaPorta.

The details

Roush, a 6-foot-6, 267-pound tight end, had 49 receptions for 545 yards and 2 touchdowns for Stanford last season. While his production numbers were a bit down, he impressed at the NFL Combine with his athleticism, ranking 3rd among tight ends. The Lions, coached by former NFL tight end Dan Campbell, could be an ideal landing spot for Roush, who would have the opportunity to learn behind LaPorta and contribute as a blocker and occasional pass-catcher.

  • Roush met informally with the Lions at the 2026 NFL Combine in March.
  • LaPorta, the Lions' current starting tight end, is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 and is recovering from a back injury.

The players

Sam Roush

A tight end prospect from Stanford University who impressed the Detroit Lions with his meeting at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who played 10 seasons in the NFL as a tight end.

Sam LaPorta

The Detroit Lions' current starting tight end, who is recovering from a back injury and entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I love the Lions. I think they've got a great culture going on there. Their record the past few years I think shows that. They've been a really solid team.”

— Sam Roush (SI.com)

What’s next

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