From Sixth Round to First Team: The Meteoric Rise of Jordan van den Berg
In the high-stakes environment of NFL training camps, the difference between being a “bubble player” and a starter often comes down to a few standout plays. For Jordan van den Berg, a sixth-round defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, that transition is happening in real-time.
Bears Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen hasn’t held back his praise for the rookie. Van den Berg has rapidly ascended from receiving third-team repetitions to earning first-team snaps—a rare feat for a late-round selection. According to Allen, the process is simple: perform and promote.
“When you start off with the threes and then all of a sudden you show up and you catch our attention, then we’ve got to find ways to get you some reps with the twos,” Allen stated. “And if you continue to catch our attention, then we’ve got to find some ways to get you some reps with the ones because that’s how you really evaluate what you have in the player.”
This “earn-your-way-up” mentality is proving beneficial for the Bears’ defensive line, as van den Berg demonstrates that his skill set translates from the collegiate level to the professional stage.
Minnesota Vikings Camp: Leadership and New Faces
While the Bears are finding a diamond in the rough, the Minnesota Vikings are focusing on stability, leadership, and adding explosive athleticism to their roster.
Justin Jefferson: A Captain’s Resilience
Coming off a season where he recorded career-lows in yards and touchdowns, superstar WR Justin Jefferson is focusing on the bigger picture. Rather than venting frustrations, Jefferson is doubling down on his role as a leader, particularly in supporting young QB J.J. McCarthy.
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- Professionalism: Jefferson emphasizes that not every season is “flowers and rainbows” and insists on keeping team struggles internal.
- Work Ethic: Vikings WRs coach Keenan McCardell noted that even during a three-game slump last year, Jefferson never pouted, instead immersing himself in his craft.
- Leading by Example: By treating practice reps like game-time action, Jefferson is setting the gold standard for the rest of the squad.
The Kyler Murray Impact
The addition of QB Kyler Murray has injected a new level of excitement into the Vikings’ offense. Jefferson expressed particular enthusiasm for Murray’s unique ability to extend plays. The veteran’s athleticism ensures that receivers stay “alive” on every play, knowing Murray can create something out of nothing in the pocket.
The Undrafted Gem: Jacob Thomas
The Vikings’ scouting eye continues to shine with the signing of safety Jacob Thomas, an undrafted free agent from James Madison. Described as a “baller” by teammate Tai Felton, Thomas is known for his instinctive play and a “zen” mentality that allows him to perform under pressure without the need for outward bravado.
Former James Madison personnel director Nathan Applebaum believes Thomas was overlooked simply because he chose not to transfer to a larger university, making him a massive steal for the Minnesota organization.
For more updates on roster moves and player evaluations, check out the official NFL website.
