Can the Bears Sixth-Round Rookie Earn a Starting Spot in 2026?
Heading into 2026, Bears fans are full of hope. In 2025, they had one of their best offenses in recent history, which led to Chicago winning the NFC North. However, it was also clear that the defense was a major weakness. They did put a lot of work into rebuilding the secondary, which is already struggling with injuries. The linebacker room was reworked and is set to be much stronger. Despite these additions, the defensive line saw little improvement, making it one of the team's biggest remaining needs. Luckily, the Bears might have gotten a quality starter late in the draft.
Jordan van den Berg was taken in the sixth round this year by the Bears. It was a long-awaited selection, as the team had not drafted any defensive lineman before him. The 24-year-old was projected to need plenty of development, so it was not exactly what fans had in mind. The sixth-round rookie is a strong and athletic player, which fits the profile that Dennis Allen likes in his defender. Despite this, it was thought that van den Berg needed more time to work on his technique. Very few people thought that he would be ready to make an impact this year, but so far he has shown serious promise.
The sixth-round rookie has been one of the brightest spots so far in practices. Similar to many rookies, he started with the third-string players before moving up to play with the backups. However, he has also already seen time with the starters. The 24-year-old has showcased his elite athleticism and size throughout both team and individual drills. His high effort and motor have also been promising factors. Both veterans and the coaching staff have had high praise for him so far. If he continues to catch everyone's attention, then it could only be a matter of time before van den Berg sees even more snaps with the starting defense.
Another thing that bodes well for his chances of starting is the previously mentioned lack of added resources to the defensive line. Chicago decided to run it back with the group that looked pretty rough in 2025. If the Bears still wish to give van den Berg time to develop, then it would make sense to have him on the bench for a while. However, if he continues to impress, then the sixth-round rookie could force his way into that starting lineup. If the defensive line struggles again, he could also see a starting role faster than expected. Even if the 24-year-old does not start, he should still see meaningful playing time.
Every team in the league wishes to win the Super Bowl. However, when looking at the Bears' realistic ceiling, that may not be where the team ends up. Their major goal should be to win the division and see continued growth. One of the main players who could have a role in that is the sixth-round rookie. His combination of hustle, strength, and athleticism could help spark the defensive line. He still needs some time to grow, but his chances of being a starter in 2026 are certainly higher than expected. Now, the 24-year-old looks to prove he is far more than a developmental project, and that is by being a quality starter on a playoff-contending team.
