GM Ryan Poles took some criticism when he selected Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter in the 2nd round last April. Many felt that was too early for a guy viewed as a classic run-stopping nose tackle. They should’ve gone with an edge rusher or a center. There were notable names on the board. Poles didn’t flinch. He felt Dexter was the kind of physical specimen that was rare. Sure, he built a reputation for stopping the run in college and not much else. However, there were glimpses of something far greater scattered among his tape.
Multiple experts admitted they saw “Chris Jones” flashes when watching Dexter. His mixture of size, power, and athleticism could become a nightmare for offensive linemen if ever harnessed properly. Head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff decided to take up the challenge. Things started slowly. Dexter didn’t appear much on the stat sheet aside from occasional flashes. That has changed over the past month. The rookie is becoming a force, and former scouting director Greg Gabriel explained what it means on Windy City Gridiron.
Chicago may have itself a monster.
“The addition of Edge Montez Sweat at the trade deadline was also an important piece of the puzzle. Up until that addition, opponent offenses could concentrate on stopping Ngakoue (and they did), as the Bears did not have another strong pass rusher. Sweat gave the Bears a dynamic player who, in a short time, has become the defense’s most valuable player. His addition has made everyone else that much better, and that’s what a top player is supposed to do. Right now, the Bears’ defense is playing well in all areas.
Rookies Dexter and Pickens seem to improve by the week, with Dexter looking as if he will become a dominant force in the not-too-distant future.”
Chicago Bears have the numbers to back that up.
He was invisible through his first four games, managing one pressure and one hit on the quarterback. Then, a switch seemed to get flipped. Over the last nine games, Dexter has 19 pressures, six QB hits, and a sack. Much of that has come in the previous four games, indicating the light has fully turned on. He’s getting into the backfield regularly, showcasing a knack for doing so from the inside and outside. This is where that size, length, and athleticism come into play.
If he’s progressing this fast, then Gabriel is correct. It won’t be long before Dexter becomes a force for which opponents have to game plan. Together with Montez Sweat, the Chicago Bears suddenly have two core pieces in place for their defensive line. If they can find one more dynamic pass rusher next off-season, this defense could become one that nobody wants to see. Credit must go to Poles and Eberflus for their work in making this happen.
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