It didn't come as a surprise that Chicago Bears veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was asked about a specific rookie in an early camp presser. Sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg has been grabbing the attention of fans and pundits alike with his physicality and clear effort plays that are expected of a late-round pick fighting to make the roster. There is a real need for Chicago to find contributors in their current rotation, and it seems that Jarrett is of the clear opinion that the rookie would be an asset, offering high praise.
"He's super athletic man, a super bright future but still learning a lot, just a guy that's hungry to learn he's hungry to work... I think he'd be a big addition to the room."Grady Jarrett
What stands out about Jarrett's words is first, the fact that he goes out of his way to talk about how teachable the young player is. This is an underrated trait, with egos understandably getting in the way of needed progress at times. Jarrett not only points out that this isn't the case for the rookie, but endorses him making the roster pointing out what an addition he could be for the current group.
It isn't the type of comments you make if van den Berg wasn't making a seriously positive training camp impression. The Georgia Tech product would be a needed rotational piece for a defensive line that is relying on a return to form from Jarrett and finding surprise contributors to complete the lineup.
Bears Veteran Grady Jarrett Offers Camp Praise for Exciting Rookie Defender
What Chicago fans are going to appreciate most about van den Berg is a level of gritty play that has zero hint of playing to the score. Situation doesn't matter for the rookie, with his college tape full of examples of his disruptive motor and refusal to give up even when it is clear things aren't tilting in his favor. Effort is a hard thing to teach, and van den Berg doesn't need any more encouragement when it comes to this trait.
The question is simply whether or not Dennis Allen's system can bring the best out of the rookie and give the Bears a chance to find a surprise contributor. Considering Jarrett's strong endorsement it is hard not to have a strong level of belief that this will be the case.
Having the rookie make the roster and fill a rotational role would serve as an answer to one of the biggest remaining defensive questions. Depth along the defensive line has been pointed to as thin and an area the franchise could look to improve; the rookie emerging is helping quiet this concern and is unquestionably building expectations.
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