Sep 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg (99) rushes the passer against the Temple Owls in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images With the No. 213 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.The Bears waited much longer than many expected to take their first (and only) defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they aimed high with physical upside, taking an interior defender with a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletix Score, making him the second-most athletic defensive tackle in NFL Draft history.A JUCO contributor at Iowa Western to begin his collegiate career, the South African native van den Berg was a backup at Penn State for three years before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final two years of collegiate eligibility.It was with the Yellowjackets that van den Berg started to come into his own.
His elite raw athleticism made him a disruptive run defender, and his physicality and play strength showed up well at the point of attack, too.As I’ve done since 2019, I put together a thread involving my analysis of each Bears draft selection, sharing some clips that highlight their strengths along the way. This year is certainly no different, so here’s my quick-hit evaluation of the Bears selecting van den Berg in Round 6.THE NUMBERSHeight: 6’3”Weight: 310 poundsRAS: 10.02025 PFSN DT Impact Score: 81.7 (24th in the FBS)2025 tackles: 442025 tackles for a loss: 112025 sacks: 3List of accomplishments: 2024 second-team All-ACC, 205 first-team All-ACCTHREAD: The #Bears waited too long to draft a defensive tackle, but Jordan van den Berg is a seamless scheme fit and tremendous value this late.— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026Jordan van den Berg is a phenomenal athlete at defensive tackle.The quickness off the line of scrimmage shows up on tape.
He times his jumps well off the line of scrimmage and has elite raw quickness for the position. #Bearspic.twitter.com/SjPoPRCy4G— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026Jordan van den Berg has elite raw strength, as his 35 bench reps at his Pro Day would indicate.Sturdy anchor at the point of attack, and he carries his 310 pounds well. He has a pretty muscular, lean frame for his size, and the strength shows. #Bearspic.twitter.com/OHGPt6A43O— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026Though a little raw in terms of his hand usage, Jordan van den Berg has shown encouraging flashes with his elite motor and physical tools.His quickness, power, and effort allow him to blow up plays, ideally as a 3-technique in the NFL. #Bearspic.twitter.com/ScCTC2ycyn— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026I tweeted it already, but here’s Jordan van den Berg’s RAS card.
He’s a freak athlete at defensive tackle.I think the #Bears waited way too long to make their first DL pick in this draft. But van den Berg is phenomenal value this late. I’m stoked. pic.twitter.com/m6uCKtOKrF— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026