The Chicago Bears turned some heads on day two of the 2023 draft when they made Florida’s Gervon Dexter their first pick of the evening. Many experts had him rated as more of a 3rd or 4th round guy. So to take him in the late 2nd round was considered a reach. GM Ryan Poles didn’t mind the criticism. He’s already made it clear his board is different from the popular media. Dexter, to him, is a mountain of untapped potential. He wasn’t good all the time in college, but the flashes he showed were something special.
Former Bears scout Greg Gabriel admitted he was skeptical of the pick when it happened on Barroom Network. So he decided to go back and watch more film on the young man to see if he missed something. He also took some advice from Poles along the way. Once done, Gabriel came to a realization. If Dexter is utilized properly and cleans a few things up, he will be really, really good.
He even had a physical comparison for the 2nd rounder. Based on the athletic profile alone, Dexter strongly resembles Indianapolis Colts All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Matt Eberflus coached him during his time with that team, so it’s no wonder he liked Dexter.
Gervon Dexter has the look and feel of a marble slab.
He may not look like much now, but he can be transformed into a work of art in the right hands. Some of the top draft experts in the business have said he’s too inconsistent and sluggish. However, they also admitted his flashes were ridiculous. Both Greg Cosell and Dane Brugler compared him to Chiefs superstar Chris Jones. That is how serious this can be. It comes down to getting him in NFL shape and correcting some of his technique issues. Once he’s allowed to attack up the field, his true potential should shine.
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It is clear Poles is placing total trust in Eberflus with this one. The talent is undeniable. This is one of those draft picks that will be determined by whether the coaching staff can develop it. Lovie Smith succeeded in this regard with Henry Melton back in the day. The Bears must follow that same blueprint. Much of it depends on Gervon Dexter himself. How hard is he willing to work? Odds are the team wouldn’t have drafted him if they felt he wasn’t 100% committed. So this should be an exciting subplot to watch.
