The Chicago Bears are no strangers to finding hidden gems in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, and their 2026 class may have unearthed another one. Heading into draft weekend, the Bears knew they needed to bolster their defensive line, but they waited until the very end to make their move. By trading both of their seventh-round picks to the Buffalo Bills, Chicago secured the No. 213 overall selection in the sixth round and used it to grab Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.

On paper, a sixth-round pick might not turn heads, but van den Berg is already generating serious buzz. Draft analysts have praised his rare athleticism and raw potential, noting that his limited exposure in college may have caused him to fly under the radar. Now, the Bears are confident they’ve landed a steal who could make an immediate impact.

According to ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler, the buzz around the league is clear: Chicago believes van den Berg can compete for significant playing time right out of the gate. With a strong preseason, this late-round pick could become a key rotational piece on the interior defensive line—proving once again that value can be found at any spot in the draft.

For Bears fans, van den Berg represents more than just depth. He’s a symbol of the team’s savvy drafting strategy and a reminder that the best stories often start with the last pick. Keep an eye on this rookie as he looks to turn his sixth-round status into a breakout season.