The Chicago Bears signed Tremaine Edmunds last year because they needed somebody in the middle of their defense who could create problems with his versatility. While the start to the season wasn’t ideal, he eventually ended up with four interceptions and helped spearhead one of the NFL’s best run defenses. However, like any linebacker, he is only as good as the defensive line in front of him. Edmunds had a front-row seat for the arrival of 2nd round pick Gervon Dexter in 2023.
That selection was met with uncertainty by fans. They were hoping for somebody with a proven track record for rushing the passer. Dexter did not fit the criteria. However, he was big, powerful, long, and athletic. Head coach Matt Eberflus felt that with the right developmental plan, Dexter could turn into a serious weapon. It took some time, but the young defensive tackle finished the season playing some good football. The fact Chicago hasn’t made any big additions to the defensive line suggests they have high hopes for him.
Edmunds has gotten an early look at Dexter through OTAs. He already sees a change.
Tremaine Edmunds knows what is likely coming this year.
They say a player almost always makes his biggest jump from year one to year two in the NFL. This will be Dexter’s second season. He finished last year with 2.5 sacks in his final five games, barely missing a few others. His pass rush potential was starting to flash more and more. Draft experts said he resembled Chris Jones when he put the pieces together in college. The problem was they were never consistent. Now, he has a huge advantage in his favor. Eric Washington has taken over as the new defensive coordinator.
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Washington comes from Buffalo, where he served as their defensive line coach. He knows Tremaine Edmunds well but will be an even bigger asset to Dexter. Washington’s track record is rich with turning young defensive tackles into studs. He did it with Henry Melton in Chicago, Kawann Short and Derrick Brown in Carolina, and Ed Oliver in Buffalo. If anybody can maximize what Dexter has to offer, it’s him. It seems the results are already showing up. When somebody that big, strong, and fast is motivated, there isn’t much you can do to stop them.
TGena, that ranking board doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s 7 months behind.
@TGena Poles, like Pace before him, has been primarily drafting based on “potential.” That is, draft board + “physical traits” + “potential to learn.” If Poles drafted exclusively according to NFL estimates, he would be in direction competition with what everyone else knows – whatever draft position he’s able to wrangle. His deficit (just like everyone else) is that he’s at the mercy of his coaches. . . . can the teach/coach/develop or not? GMs who are coaches (like Belechick) can actually see what needs to be coached while they are drafting. Most GMs though, are hoping they hired good… Read more »
@jmscooby — Gervon Dexter Sr., is a Chicago Bear — and the draft slot in which he was selected won’t help him versus the opponent (although being selected by GM, Ryan Poles definitely gives the player a “fast track” to the starting lineup — and such acquiesence might eventually become Matt Eberflus’ fatal flaw). But, Dexter was ranked much lower than you seem to remember (“. .2nd or 3rd. . “). A quick check of the NFL Mock Draft Database, 2023 Consensus Big Board DL (defensive lineman) rankings, and the Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grades, informs this list: Pre-Draft… Read more »
I’ve said it before, Dexter was the 2nd or 3rd rated DT behind J. Carter at the end of that season. He got dropped in the rankings by the media bobbleheads during the draft process.
That just tells me, Poles trusts his draft board, but also Pace would have never found the guy.
Every once in a while you just get lucky. Looks like we drafted a top 15 pick in the second round. Nice work!