Not many sixth-round picks find their way to the field right out of the gate, let alone look like potential starters. However, Chicago Bears rookie Jordan van den Berg doesn't look like the average sixth-round pick.
The young defensive tackle drew rave reviews earlier in training camp, and after two preseason games, it's becoming clear that all the hype wasn't empty noise. This team desperately needed a punch in the interior of the defensive line, and it looks like they've found it.
While there weren't many things to celebrate after an ugly blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Jordan van den Berg's tape is definitely worth watching. If he keeps it up, it won't be long before he's a starter.
The Bears may have found a true gem in Jordan van den Berg
Van den Berg got things rolling in Week 1 vs. the Cleveland Browns. He looked the part with one tackle and one quarterback hit, and while most of his work came against third-stringers, he did a solid job.
Then, he took things further in Week 2, looking like the lone bright spot in the 27-9 loss. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he finished the game with three tackles (two solo), two pressures, and two run stops. He was also the highest-graded defensive player on the team (90.9).
His Athleticism always stood out on tape at Georgia Tech, but his rather slow get-off was a concern. He's looked much more explosive in the pros, and his otherworldly strength makes him an unblockable force who can move grown men against their will with ease.
Van den Berg excelled with 11 tackles for a loss in his final season in college. His instincts and ability to diagnose and anticipate plays are impressive, and a more explosive get-off will work wonders for him as a potential pass rusher.
The Bears desperately need help in the trenches. Grady Jarrett is aging and didn't have a good first season in the Windy City, and they don't seem to have much depth next to the rising Gervon Dexter Jr., the team's only consistent contributor at the position.
At this point, it's not a matter of whether Jordan van den Berg will make the roster, but of what role he'll have. He entered the league as an overlooked, raw player who looked more like a developmental guy than anything else. Now, he might be the team's most promising defensive player.
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