Nobody disputes that Montez Sweat is the best and most important player on the Chicago Bears’ defensive line. It is why they traded for him. They needed a Pro Bowl presence up front. However, next to him, it is no longer a debate that Gervon Dexter is #2 on that list. He finished last season strong as a rookie despite learning a different way to play defensive tackle from what he knew at Florida. Now he takes over for Justin Jones as the projected starting three-technique, making him their most vital interior pass rusher.
To accomplish that goal, Dexter knew he’d have to totally remake his body this off-season. The top three-techniques must be slimmed down, quick, and explosive. His conditioning last year wasn’t conducive to that. Early reports from OTAs and minicamps hinted Dexter has undergone a breathtaking transformation. Sweat offered an idea of how drastic it was during his press conference on Saturday. Apparently, the second-year defensive tackle chose to do the training camp conditioning test with the defensive ends instead, which is known to be significantly more difficult.
The defensive tackle became harder and harder to block as the season went along last year. He got into the backfield much more often, notching 2.5 sacks in his final five games. Things have only gotten better for him since then. He slimmed down and got into top shape. Not only that, but Eric Washington arrived to become the Bears’ new defensive coordinator. He is renowned as one of the best defensive line specialists in the league. Even better? His greatest successes have all been defensive tackles (Henry Melton, Kawaan Short, Ed Oliver). One can only imagine how excited he is to work with Dexter.
If he takes the big step many hope for, the combination of him and Montez Sweat could be devastating. For all the talk about needing a second defensive end, the truth is this defense is often driven by having one great outside guy and one great inside guy. Think John Randle and Chris Doleman in Minnesota. Think Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice in Tampa Bay. Don’t forget Tommie Harris and Adewale Ogunleye in Chicago. Sweat and Dexter have a chance to become that next great combo. Everything hinges on the defensive tackle unlocking his full potential.
