Chicago Bears' Jordan van den Berg
(via ChicagoBears.com/Bailey Black)
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – When it comes to roster battles and potential real playing time in the future, there’s been one big development at Bears training camp – and it has to do with the development of a rookie.
Defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, the Bears’ sixth-round pick this year, is doing more than turning heads. He’s standing out in 1-on-1 drills because of his speed, strength and attitude.
And he’s rotating with the starters in some full-team periods.
“I think he’s gonna be a hell of a football player,” veteran defensive tackle Neville Gallimore said Saturday after practice at Halas Hall. “I think he’s growing. His understanding of the game is improving every day. I just love his competitiveness. Great guy for the locker room. He does his job at a high level and, again, I think he’s only going to get better as he continues to be a part of the system.
“I’ll say, man, the greatest thing that ever happened to him was coming to this team and being a part of this defense. I think he’s going to be a guy that surprises a lot of people this year.”
Why are the Bears a great fit for van den Berg?