The Green Bay Packers are actively seeking to bolster their defensive line, and one name that has emerged as a compelling prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft is Jordan van den Berg. Despite the recent acquisition of veteran Javon Hargrave, the team recognizes the imperative to inject more talent into this crucial position. Van den Berg, a formidable defensive tackle from Georgia Tech, stands out not only for his impressive physical attributes but also for his remarkable journey and continuous development, making him a prime candidate for a Day 3 selection.
Hailing from South Africa, van den Berg's athletic foundation began in rugby before he transitioned to American football as a linebacker at Providence Christian Academy. His collegiate path was unconventional, starting as a zero-star recruit at Iowa Western Community College. There, he showcased his potential as a defensive end, recording five tackles for loss and one sack in limited appearances. This early success propelled him to Penn State in 2021, where he shifted to defensive tackle and further honed his skills, despite being redshirted. His tenure at Penn State saw him contribute 1.5 sacks over two seasons, demonstrating steady improvement.
The pivotal moment in van den Berg's collegiate career arrived with his transfer to Georgia Tech for the 2024 season. It was here that he truly flourished, recording five tackles for loss and one sack in his initial year. His final season at Georgia Tech was nothing short of spectacular, with 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Chad Bishop, a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, lauded van den Berg as an "MVP of the Tech defense," emphasizing his playmaking ability and vital leadership in the locker room. Bishop highlighted how van den Berg's capacity to disrupt running plays and dismantle opposing offensive schemes, though not always reflected in box scores, was indispensable to Georgia Tech's defensive success.
Van den Berg's exceptional athleticism has been consistently recognized, earning him a spot on Bruce Feldman's Annual Freaks list for three consecutive years, reaching No. 18 in his final season. His dedication to physical conditioning is evident in his impressive Pro Day numbers, including a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, a 1.61-second 10-yard split at 310 pounds, a 4.19-second short shuttle, and a 36-inch vertical leap. These statistics underscore his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
On the field, van den Berg is a force, utilizing his powerful upper body and strong hands to overpower blockers and control the line of scrimmage. His lateral agility allows him to make plays across the field, while his initial quickness enables him to penetrate gaps and disrupt offensive plays behind the line. Bishop further elaborated on van den Berg's technical prowess, crediting his diligent focus on technique and positioning, influenced by defensive line coach Jess Simpson. This meticulous approach, combined with his innate athleticism, contributes to his effectiveness in the trenches.
The Georgia Tech standout possesses the raw tools to evolve into a dominant interior pass rusher. His strength allows him to drive offensive linemen back, creating pressure on the quarterback. His career-best season, with three sacks and 29 pressures, indicates significant potential for further growth in this area. Bishop noted van den Berg's intellectual development, highlighting his improved ability to recognize offensive line tendencies and exploit gaps, a skill expected to continue developing at the professional level.
For the Green Bay Packers, van den Berg represents a high-upside prospect. His continuous improvement throughout his collegiate career, coupled with his exceptional physical traits, aligns perfectly with the team's need for disruptive defensive linemen. The Packers' decision to host van den Berg for a 30 visit signals their clear interest. With his blend of size, explosiveness, and relentless effort, van den Berg has the potential to exceed his draft position and become a key contributor to Green Bay's defense, fulfilling the team's objective of acquiring more impactful players along the defensive front.