With the NFL draft behind us it brings a good chance to look at the realistic expectations for the rookie class. The Chicago Bears drafted Jordan van den Berg late in round six. What are expectations for the late round pick during his rookie season?
Chicago Bears rookie expectations for Jordan van den Berg
Since 2012, there have been 77 defensive tackles drafted after the 180th pick, which is the range of players that should be compared to van den Berg. Of that group, they averaged 159 snaps during their season and 35 snaps on special teams. That is a little less than ten snaps per game, which seems fair someone drafted so late.Â
However, if you just look at some of the best players drafted in this range it changes the expectations a bit. There were 31 players who went onto have notable NFL careers. Players such as Sebastian Joseph-Day, Khyris Tonga, DJ Jones, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches were drafted in this range. If the Bears wanted to see him on a trajectory similar to those names, what would be more realistic?
This group averaged 237 snaps defensive snaps and 49 special teams snaps. This is closer to 14 snaps per game. This is a bit more expectaiton but still not crazy. At the same time, Zach Sieler only played 17 games as a rookie and turned out to be a multiple year starter for the Miami Dolphins. The issue is that this was not the team that drafted him. Moro Ojomo is the best example as he played 54 snaps for the Eagles and now starts for the same team that drafted him.Â
Last year, the Bears had three defensive lineman with over 500 snaps. The fourth interior lineman had 219 snaps and the fifth had 89. This is a good test for van den Berg.Â
Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and Neville Galimore should be the top three this year. James Lynch, Kentavius Street and van den Berg will compete for spots four through six. The sixth spot is unlikely to play until injuries occur. The amount of snaps that the typical fourth lineman plays should have him right in line or above average compared to players drafted in the same range. If he came in as a the fifth lineman, he would be slightly below, but still in the expected range. Being the sixth man and not playing all year would be a disappointment.Â
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