Darnell Wright is viewed as the most important pick the Chicago Bears made this year. That isn’t a surprise. He’s their 1st round selection and crucial to the protection of quarterback Justin Fields. However, some will argue 2nd round pick Gervon Dexter is equally as important. The Bears’ 4-3 defense relies on its front four to control the game. That is especially true with the pass rush. No position is more important than three-technique or designated interior pass rusher. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus feel Dexter has the capability to be that player.
They love his size and power. He plays with a nice violent streak. Yet what stood out the most was his athleticism. People often missed how quick he was and how much range he had. Part of that came from the defense he played in at Florida. They never took full advantage of his gifts. That is why his sack totals were so low. Defensive line coach Travis Smith explained to Sean Hammond of Shaw Local how they’ve already begun to alter how Dexter approaches the position.
“With him, we’re working on just starting with, ‘Hey, where’s our weight? Is it in our hands? Are our heels down? Are we on the balls of our feet? Are we vertically stepping? Are we read stepping?’ ” Smith said. “There are different things that he used to do that we are getting out of the habit of.”
It isn’t so much about losing or gaining weight. That isn’t his problem. Everybody can see he moves more than well enough for somebody 6’6 and 312 lbs. The primary issue is flexibility. Winning in this defense requires shooting gaps, and that requires good leverage. Low man wins, as the saying goes. Eberflus knows much of this requires the ability to keep his pads down. So the team has instructed Dexter to incorporate a new exercise into his daily routines.
Eberflus said the Bears have Dexter doing pilates to make himself more flexible in his lower body.
“We elongated his stance a little bit to help him do that, and we moved him around a little bit,” Eberflus said. “He’s playing the nose [tackle], he’s playing the [3-technique]. What I like most about him is his hustle. Man, he hustles. He’s got his track shoes on and he is running out there.”
Early signs are promising. Gervon Dexter showcased some pass rush potential during veteran minicamps, creating multiple pressures on Justin Fields. It’s evident how gifted he is. One can only imagine how much bigger of a headache he’ll become when the pads go on. The fact he’s giving his full effort at all times is also reflective of the person. He lives for the grind. Normally when that is the case, players of his physical skill always find success in the NFL.
