The Chicago Bears may have waited until the sixth round to address their defensive line, but rookie Jordan van den Berg is ready to make an immediate impact—and he couldn't ask for a better mentor than veteran Grady Jarrett.
Selected out of Georgia Tech in this year's draft, van den Berg was the only defensive lineman the Bears added to their rookie class. While the team's pass rush remains a pressing need heading into the season, the 24-year-old brings impressive athleticism and untapped potential that caught the attention of Chicago's front office. During his collegiate career, van den Berg was known for his explosive quickness off the snap and raw power, though he lacked the national exposure that often comes with playing at a powerhouse program.
Now, he'll have the opportunity of a lifetime: learning from one of the NFL's most respected defensive tackles. Grady Jarrett, who spent the bulk of his career with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Bears last season, is a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl veteran. For van den Berg, this is a dream come true.
"I grew up watching Grady," van den Berg said. "The way he plays the game, the intensity he brings every snap—that's the kind of player I want to become. Being able to learn from him every day is going to be huge for my development."
The Bears' defensive line room is now a blend of youth and experience, with van den Berg poised to absorb everything Jarrett has to offer. For a rookie eager to prove himself, there's no better place to start than beside a player who has been dominating in the trenches for over a decade.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on van den Berg to see how quickly he can translate that eagerness into production. If his work ethic and admiration for his new teammate are any indication, the Bears may have found a hidden gem in the sixth round.
