The Chicago Bears surprised a lot of people in the 2023 draft when they took Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. While nobody argued the team needed defensive line help, the 2nd round pick didn’t fit what they needed. Dexter earned a reputation in college for being a stout run defender, using his size, length, and power to control gaps. That has obvious value to any defense, but the Bears needed pass rush help more. His stats didn’t reflect any such ability. However, head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles saw it differently.
One thing they couldn’t ignore about Dexter during evaluations was his elite-tier athleticism. Despite his questionable production, his tape showed numerous flashes of serious pass rush potential. The challenge was developing him in such a way that maximized those obvious gifts. After a slow start to his rookie season, Dexter flourished down the stretch with 2.5 sacks and several pressures over his final five games. Eberflus gave an update on the young defensive tackle as the team reconvened for off-season workouts. One thing stood out immediately.
“I noticed the body composition first. It was really good. He changed his body in the time he was off, so he’s much leaner now and he’s quicker.
That was one thing he had to work on and then pad level, because he’s such a big guy, tall guy. And he’s worked on those things. But his movement, his athletic ability is even better now because he really worked on his body.”
Matt Eberflus knows what a leaner Dexter can do.
The defensive tackle played around 312 lbs last season. It could make a huge difference in his quickness and agility if he dropped ten of those this off-season. Keep in mind Dexter had a 1.81 in the 10-yard split at the scouting combine. That was on the lower side, indicating his slower get-off. Improving his lower body explosiveness was a priority for the Bears from the moment he arrived. It appears they’re getting the results they hoped for. Dexter has embraced the necessary work to reshape his body for this defense.
This development might explain why the Bears haven’t made any significant moves at defensive tackle this off-season. They believe Dexter is poised for a major step forward this year, especially after seeing how he finished 2023. Matt Eberflus is confident in his progress. The arrival of Eric Washington as defensive coordinator is certain to help. Nobody in the NFL is better at working with defensive tackles than him. Don’t be surprised if the young man becomes a force this season.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
No, it’s more than just at initial snap, Carlos. I understand the read and react UF asked him to do. His change of direction laterally is slow. He did make impact plays in crunch time while at UF. It’s just been a few lean years for us, as Trask was our last solid QB, and his stay was brief.
@jmscooby, the reason for his lack of lateral movement early on was because in Florida then had him take his first step back. He had to ask at and he did a great job.
Reshaping his body might help. He’s comparable to Chris Jones, IMHO, but he just doesn’t have that lateral quickness. Gervon pops his head up too quick looking around the backfield. He’s kinda like Baby Huey. The center of gravity is about 2 inches below the belly button. If he learns to keep his COG down and just push the pocket, he and Billings would blow up the interior.
GD needs to become more aware of where the QB is in the pocket. Film room and play recognition will help. Our opponent signing Whitehair and Patrick will help even more.
As American Psycho correctly stated, “you can always be thinner.” More to the point, as he becomes leaner and quicker, he might be able to have reps at edge too.
I think this team is hungry, Eberflus has the Defense trending in the right direction with his hits philosophy. Hopefully Pickens comes in the same way. They lost Justin Jones and it would be nice if these two can improve upon the production of his minutes. Plus, the coaching staff as a whole has improved.