Gervon Dexter, Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was the Chicago Bears’ second-round pick last season. He has an impressive athletic ability despite his size (6-foot-6, 312 pounds). He is quick off the snap and has great lateral movement.
Early on in the season, Dexter struggled a bit to erase the bad habits his coaches at the University of Florida gave him. Amazingly, his coaches with the Gators made Dexter’s first move off the snap to go backward. They saw his athleticism so they decided to have him cover the ground five yards off the line of scrimmage.
In Chicago, the coaching staff wanted Dexter to attack. That took some time to change. However, once he got it down he was incredible. He was instrumental in helping the Chicago Bears go from ranking 31st against the run in 2022 to number one in 2023.
Now the Bears want Dexter to take another big step forward. Last season he was a backup. He did such a good job, though, that the team allowed the starter, Justin Jones, to walk away via free agency. Dexter is the starter now.
With that, however, there is a lot of pressure. There are more expectations for him to play even better. He could be the key to the Chicago Bears pass rush as well. If he can get into the opponent’s backfield and pressure the quarterback, that could help the defensive ends.
Despite having Montez Sweat, the Chicago Bears do not have much behind him. Not having a good option opposite of Sweat could be a problem. However, that problem could be mitigated if Dexter becomes a problem for opponents. If Dexter requires a double-team that will create space for the ends.
Some are screaming for Poles to sign another defensive end. However, if Dexter performs well, that decision could be delayed.
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