The Chicago Bears have had several early standouts in their first week of training camp. Wide receiver Rome Odunze, running back D’Andre Swift, defensive end Montez Sweat, and safety Kevin Byard are among the notables. Tyler Scott and Reddy Steward are also two young guys making some noise. However, one name that has generated some buzz around Halas Hall is Gervon Dexter. The former 2nd round defensive tackle had a strong finish to 2023. Some wondered if he’d be able to make a jump this season.
Early signs are promising. He arrived at camp in excellent shape, passing the conditioning test for a defensive end. He’s reportedly quicker and has improved his jump off the snap. That leaves many hopeful he can become the interior pass rusher this defense needs to reach the next level. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has been front and center for everything in Lake Forest. He indicated the improvement is far bigger than people have let on. He wouldn’t be surprised if the defensive tackle has a monster year.
Dexter has reshaped his body and maybe more importantly seems way more comfortable with the scheme, what he’s being asked to do and playing with more consistent pad level…I wouldn’t say Dexter has been overhyped. I don’t know that he’s going to go out and put up 10 sacks but I would not rule that out. I think the Bears have a guy who understands the three-technique position. He looks physically ready to be a disruptive interior defender. He’d be my pick for a Year 2 breakout guy, and I say that recognizing he was improved in the second half of last season.
Matt Eberflus has said many times the three-technique defensive tackle is essential to the success of his system. DeForest Buckner proved that in Indianapolis. The Bears drafted Dexter, believing he had the size, length, power, and athletic upside to become a force along the interior. There were flashes of it last season. He didn’t quite have the quickness or tools needed yet. Based on these clips from every practice, both problems have been solved. He’s getting into the backfield constantly, both with gap penetration and a strong arsenal of moves.
If he achieves the 10 sacks Biggs mentions, he’d be the first defensive tackle for the Bears to do so since Jim Flanigan in 1995. Gervon Dexter is a man on a mission. He isn’t interested in having one good year. His goal is to become one of the greats. He stated the endgame for him is having his name listed among the other Bears icons on the walls of Halas Hall. To do that, he must start producing at a high level. This season will be the perfect opportunity.
