The Chicago Bears didn’t make many big moves this offseason. It seems they were content with a couple of notable free agent additions and then focusing on the draft. That means they’re leaning heavily on their evaluations to once again produce a quality rookie class. Most of the attention will focus on the higher selections such as Dillon Thieneman, Logan Jones, Sam Roush, and Zavion Thomas. However, if last season proved anything, it’s that they will also need one of their later picks to make a contribution too. Can anybody be the Kyle Monangai of this group? Perhaps the most intriguing name was Jordan Van Den Berg.
Remember, the Bears traded both of their 7th round picks in April to jump into the 6th round to grab the Georgia Tech defensive tackle. Reports had indicated the team loved his unique mix of power and explosiveness. They were surprised he fell as far as he did. Early indications from training camp suggest they were. Adam Jahns of CHGO was the first to note the rookie was flashing in drills.
“Rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg provided a highlight for the defense. He quickly skirted past right tackle Mason Murphy, an undrafted rookie, to reach running back Coleman Bennett in the backfield for what would have been a tackle for loss with live contact. It came during the final team period.”
It didn’t take long for him to pop up again on Saturday, going toe-to-toe with fellow draft alum Jones and beating him.
Jordan Van Den Berg isn’t simply picking on camp refuse.
It’d be one thing if he were beating third and fourth-string guys. Anybody can do that. The big key was whether he could make an impact against someone who would actually play on Sundays. Jones is one such example. We’re talking about a 2nd round pick with 51 career college starts. Pads or not, beating somebody like that is solid work. It is a welcome sign that Van Den Berg isn’t overwhelmed by being in the NFL. That is often what happens for young late-round picks like him.
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This is where being an older rookie might actually be working in his favor. Jordan Van Den Berg is 24 years old. He owns his own business. He is a full-grown man in every sense, not a kid unfamiliar with the real world. That is why he isn’t intimidated by what’s being asked of him. Besides, Van Den Berg already knows something about overcoming tough odds. When he transferred out of Penn State, most felt that was the end for him. Instead, he found his footing at Georgia Tech and played his best football last season.
The big tests are still to come.
Van Den Berg is likely to make the roster. He’s a draft pick. Unless he completely stinks up training camp, the Bears will want to keep him around. The uncertainty is whether he can earn playing time. Right now, the defensive tackle rotation appears to be Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, and Neville Gallimore. Dayo Odeyingbo will also be moved inside in key situations. That means if the rookie wants to play, he must show he deserves it. The first test comes on Tuesday when the pads go on. That is when he’ll face blockers without restrictions.
The second test will be the preseason. He can’t afford to just have some tackles and pressures. Van Den Berg needs some impact plays. Coaches won’t notice you unless you force them to. That is the law of being a late-round pick. Monangai pulled it off last year. Van Den Berg will get the same chances over the next four weeks. It falls on him to take advantage of them. It sounds like he’s off to a good start.
