The Chicago Bears defense already looks like it’s in mid-season form to start training camp. Matt Eberflus’ unit has played hard in every drill, jawing at the offense every chance they get. They feel they’re on the cusp of becoming one of the best defenses in the NFL. To do that, they need several of their young guys to take a step forward, joining Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson in the star category. One name everybody hopes can do that is defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. He plays the most important position, the three-technique, in the entire system.
Whenever this defense has a strong interior pass rusher, it’s hard to go against. Based on reports from the first padded practice of training camp on Friday, people have good reasons to be excited.
Dexter was everywhere throughout the action. His slimmed-down physique and increased quickness gave blockers fits. He’s also improved his explosiveness off the ball, allowing him to immediately penetrate the offensive backfield. If this is the player he is now, things just became way more interesting on defense.
People kept talking about how they needed another edge rusher to complement Sweat. In reality, they may have that second guy with Dexter. Great defensive lines always have one edge guy and one interior guy. Sure, another defensive end would be nice, but the Bears would much prefer a disruptor up the middle. That was the primary reason they drafted Dexter. With some reshaping of his body and fine-tuning his game, they felt he had the potential to become a force on Sundays.
Dexter himself went through a brutal off-season training regimen, working to get into what he called “marathon shape.” He wants to ensure he can go 100% in the 4th quarter. The Chicago Bears defense can already see the results. Training camp should only help further get him into shape. If he listens to new defensive coordinator Eric Washington, his 2024 could be a coming-out party. Washington is known for a strong track record with young defensive tackles.
