Chicago Bears 6th round pick gets more reps with 1st team defense during training camp

Last season, the Chicago Bears defense led the NFL in takeaways. These were mostly interceptions, as the secondary took the ball away at an extraordinary rate a year ago. Other aspects of the defense, such as the pass rush, struggled mightily.

As the Bears look ahead to 2026, they expect to improve upon their 11-6 record and NFC North title. However, they are going to need young players to improve/step up, especially on defense in order for that to happen.

In that vein, sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg may end up being a steal.

Jordan van den Berg again practices with Chicago Bears starters

While the defense led the league in takeaways last year, they were the fourth-worst unit in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game (361.8). They were also the sixth-worst defense in terms of rushing yards allowed per game (134.5).

A sixth-round pick out of Georgia Tech, van den Berg may have been an afterthought for many. However, so far in training camp, he is turning heads. In fact, he got reps with the projected first team defense on Saturday, per ESPN:

“Sixth-round defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg was a part of the rotation with the first-team defense during low red zone drills. He excelled with his bull rush against center Logan Jones during one-on-one drills. ‘I think he’s going to be a hell of a football player,’ defensive tackle Neville Gallimore said.”

Last year at Georgia Tech, van den Berg had 11.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, both of which were career highs.

If he can bring that kind of production to the defensive line in Chicago, it would go a long way to help the Bears defense overall. With their secondary riddled with injuries, it is going to be even more important for the defensive line to limit the run game and get to the passer.

Hopefully van den Berg can help.

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