The Chicago Bears made a savvy move in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, trading a pair of seventh-round picks to snag Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg with the 213th overall selection. It was the team's only defensive line addition this year, and early buzz suggests it could be a major steal.
Van den Berg, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, brings an explosive athleticism that fits perfectly into defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme. Last season at Georgia Tech, he was a first-team All-ACC standout, racking up 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Over his college career—which included three seasons at Penn State before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final two—he compiled 90 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an impressive 56 quarterback pressures.
The Bears' front office is reportedly high on van den Berg. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the team believes they got a "steal" and have plans for him that go beyond a typical late-round flier. Fowler noted, "The Bears believe he was one of the more gifted defensive tackles in the draft." With his blend of power and quickness, van den Berg could develop into a disruptive force in the trenches.
For Bears fans, this pick adds depth and potential to a defensive line that's hungry for playmakers. Whether he's stuffing the run or pressuring the quarterback, van den Berg's journey from South Africa to the NFL is a story worth watching—and one that could pay big dividends for Chicago.
