April 3, 2026, 10:28 a.m. ET
The Lions might prioritize taking a TE in the upcoming NFL Draft due to the uncertainty with Sam LaPorta’s health. Sam Roush looks to be a medically clean option who may be available in the mid-late rounds.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Sam Roush:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Sam Roush, TE (23) – Stanford
Projected round 3-6.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Concern level 0/10
2025: 12/12 games2024: 12/12 games2023: 12/12 games2022: 12/12 games
Roush has been incredibly consistent and reliable in college by playing in every game in his four years. There are also no reported injuries which makes him one of the cleanest prospects in the draft. The only knock is his age is just slightly older than ideal. If the Lions want a very reliable TE, Roush might be the pick.
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