Outside of Darnell Wright, no player has generated more conversations among Chicago Bears fans following the NFL draft than Gervon Dexter. While none disputed the team needed defensive tackle help, they were skeptical of what he could offer the team. His pass rush production at Florida was underwhelming. It is difficult to believe he can solve the Bears’ biggest issue on defense. To make this scheme go, you need a good interior pass rusher. Dexter doesn’t appear to be that guy.
One prominent draft expert believes people aren’t seeing the big picture. Brett Kollmann of Bootleg Football is among the most respected tape analysts on YouTube and formerly worked at NFL Network. He’s also a Bears fan. So he was particularly invested in their draft last month and has heard the criticisms of the Dexter pick. He doesn’t agree with them. At all. Kollmann sat down to speak with Bill Zimmerman on the Bears Banter podcast to talk about the draft. He explained in precise detail why Dexter will be an immediate help to the defense in several ways and has more than enough ability to become a star.
Gervon Dexter should already be a notable presence.
Kollmann made it clear the guy is a starting nose tackle on day one. His size, power, and block-shedding ability make him a headache in the middle. Opposing centers won’t look forward to facing him. Whether his game evolves will depend on if he improves his pad level and masters the necessary adjustments to becoming an up-the-field defensive tackle. His athleticism and burst show up plenty on tape. His coaches just never used them a lot because of his other responsibilities.
That will change under Matt Eberflus. He has a clear vision for what Gervon Dexter will be. This is the most talented defensive tackle he has coached in Chicago thus far. Successful development means taking this defense back to where it belongs atop the NFL. If it works out that way, people may look at the Dexter pick as one of the biggest steals in recent memory. Kollmann believes he’s on the same level of natural ability as 1st round picks Jalen Carter and Mazi Smith. It’s a matter of unlocking the final doors to it.
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To me I see Dexter and Billings rotating the 1-Tech and Jones and Pickens rotating the 3-Tech. This is a solid rotation for the D-Tackle spots this year. The Edge rotations are a little sketchy. I mean Walker will help in run defense if anything, and Gipson has potential to get in the backfield. I guess if Robinson makes a huge leap and looks like game 1 Robinson from 2022 all year we will have something. I know they don’t want to patch holes with veterans and want to build in the draft, but throwing a 2 year deal at… Read more »
Trust the process. Get the best available athlete that fits the profile of successful NFL players at each position. Then just teach your scheme and coach em up! With Pace and Nagy, we couldn’t even find a team identity. Now we have Poles team building and Flus hits principles and teacher coaches on GLORIOUS DISPLAY!!! GO BEARS!! 12-5 and deep playoff run THIS YEAR!
G. Dexter will be a force to be reckoned with in the middle of this defense.
It will take two full seasons, but he will be a beast.
Dr. Steve, what’s you’re success rate?