The Green Bay Packers recently held a pre-draft meeting with Georgia Tech's defensive lineman, Jordan van den Berg, as reported by Bill Huber of Packers on SI. Van den Berg, who transferred from Penn State, demonstrated significant impact during his two seasons at Georgia Tech, accumulating 16 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. His performance in 2025 was particularly strong, leading the team with 11.0 tackles for loss and earning him a first-team All-ACC selection. Analytics from PFF indicate he generated 29 pressures and made 19 stops across 553 snaps in the 2025 season.
Van den Berg significantly elevated his NFL draft profile with an exceptional showing at Georgia Tech's pro day. Despite standing just over 6-3 and weighing 310 pounds, his athletic testing was remarkable: 35 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical leap, a 9-11 broad jump, and a 4.17-second short shuttle. These elite scores for his size culminated in a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score, positioning him among the most athletic defensive tackle prospects in recent memory. While his pass-rushing statistics—4.0 sacks and nine quarterback hits over nearly 600 pass-rushing snaps in his last two seasons—are not overwhelming, and he will turn 24 in April, his raw athleticism suggests a high potential for growth. Currently projected as a Day 3 pick, ranking 246th overall on the consensus big board, his impressive 2025 season and unparalleled athleticism could lead to him being drafted earlier than anticipated. Originally from South Africa, van den Berg relocated to Atlanta at age 10 and completed a master’s degree in international affairs, science, and technology at Georgia Tech last year, following his graduation from Penn State in 2023.
For teams like the Packers, who are in need of reinforcements on their interior defensive line, van den Berg represents an intriguing developmental prospect. His exceptional athletic gifts offer a ceiling higher than that of typical draft picks, making him a valuable investment for future seasons. The blend of his on-field production in a competitive conference and his off-the-charts athletic measurements points to a player with significant upside, capable of growing into a key contributor.
In the dynamic and competitive world of professional sports, identifying and nurturing talent with high potential is crucial. Van den Berg's journey exemplifies how dedication, combined with raw athletic ability, can create unique opportunities. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that with persistent effort and a commitment to continuous improvement, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success.
