After trading down nine spots in the sixth round of the NFL Draft Saturday, the Bears selected Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert with the No. 217 overall pick.

Herbert played four seasons at Kansas from 2016-19 before transferring to Virginia Tech last year. In 46 career games, he rushed for 2,918 yards and 22 touchdowns on 475 carries and caught 34 passes for 297 yards and 1 TD.

Last year the 5-9, 204-pounder appeared in 11 games for the Hokies, ranking fifth in the nation in rushing with 1,182 yards and eight TDs on 154 carries and catching 10 passes for 179 yards and one TD. He also averaged 26.9 yards on 16 kickoff returns.

During a Zoom call with the Chicago media, Herbert characterized his decision to transfer to Virginia Tech as "a business decision."

"The coaches and the whole team just kind of gathered around me and welcomed me in," Herbert said. "They did a great job of allowing me to go out there and play and use me in a lot of different ways and get the ball in my hands. I really think they believed in me to do what I can do on the field. That helped me a lot."

As a runner, Herbert described himself as a "home run hitter."

"I'm able to do everything out of the backfield," he said. "Inside, outside zone, catch the ball. I feel like I can do everything, all-purpose back."

Herbert's ability to contribute on special teams no doubt will appeal to the Bears. Last season at Virginia Tech, he not only returned kickoffs but played on the punt return, punt coverage and onside kick recovery units.

"I take a lot of pride in special teams," Herbert said. "That's one of the biggest things we pride ourselves in at VT. Being able to help out on special teams one way or another is big. I feel like I can help in any aspect of special teams."

Herbert starred at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., where his head coach was Bears first-year defensive line coach Chris Rumph Sr.

The Bears acquired the No. 217 choice they spent on Herbert along with a seventh-round pick (No. 250) from the Seahawks in exchange for the No. 208 selection in the sixth round. The Bears had originally obtained the 208th pick last summer in a trade with the Dolphins for tight end Adam Shaheen.