Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to throw the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears have plenty of roster questions to sort out and less than two months to do so. By far the most important for Ben Johnson and the coaching staff is the situation at left tackle. For the past three years, Braxton Jones held that job. However, a broken leg last season threw plans into turmoil. Estimates said Jones wouldn’t be ready for the start of training camp. That meant former 3rd round pick Kiran Amegadjie and 2nd round rookie Ozzy Trapilo would be battling to gain the early advantage.
GM Ryan Poles changed things with an announcement on Tuesday, the team’s report date. Team doctors declared Jones healthy, and he is ready to go to camp. That changes the entire complexion of the competition.
#Bears LT Braxton Jones and TE Colton Loveland are ready to go for training camp. They will have ramp up periods.
It will be a competition, mind you. Johnson made that clear during his talk with the press. All three players have a clean slate. That means the left tackle job is up for grabs. Nobody has the lead. Once the pads go on, it is a race to see who makes the best impression.
The former 5th round pick was a solid starter since arriving in 2022. However, circumstances have changed. Most of the regime that drafted him is gone. An entirely new coaching staff is running the show, and they likely have certain expectations for the left tackle position. Nobody disputes Braxton Jones as an athlete. They’ve wondered about his overall lack of power and now his durability. Having to combat not one but two challengers to his throne should leave zero doubts about whether Jones is worthy of the position. If he still manages to hold it when the dust settles in September, it will be a massive nod of approval from a highly competent staff. If he doesn’t, then his run in Chicago is likely over.
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) warms up during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was placed on the non-football injury list last week, along with three other players, though the team initially did not provide details about his condition. The NFI designation is used for injuries or illnesses that occur outside of team activities.
Jaylon Johnson is dealing with a leg injury. Expected timeline is a few weeks.
But we got a crucial update on Tuesday. General Manager Ryan Poles announced, that Johnson will miss “a few weeks” of training camp due to a leg injury suffered during offseason training.
While Poles shared confidence that the injury won’t have long term effects saying, “We’re not particularly concerned with the long-term impact”—he did not share specifics about how the injury happened or whether Johnson is pursuing a second opinion. The lack of clarity has led to some concern among fans and media members.
The Bears signed cornerback Tre Flowers to help offset the absence of Jaylon Johnson. They also added DL Tanoh Kpassagnon, while waiving DB Alex Cook and DL Jereme Robinson.
Johnson, considered the Bears top CB, is a key piece of the defense. His absence is a setback, especially as the team begins training camp under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. With veterans reporting Tuesday and the first practice set for Wednesday, Johnson’s injury could slow the defense’s efforts to build early chemistry.
Despite the situation, the Bears remain hopeful Johnson will return soon and be ready for the regular season. In the meantime, they’ll lean on their depth at cornerback while focusing on getting their defensive leader back to full strength as quickly as possible.
LIVE: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson Speak | Bears Hit with Injury News as Camp Opens
Nov 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (90) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Things always tend to happen once training camp arrives. Teams take stock of their rosters and decide to make one or two tweaks via free agency. The Chicago Bears are no strangers to this. They’ve done it every year under GM Ryan Poles. This time is no different. Reports came out that the Bears have added not one but two notable veterans to their defense on the day of reporting to Halas Hall. One is cornerback Tre Flowers, a former 5th round pick who has been in the league for nine seasons, collecting four interceptions. The other is Tanoh Kpassagnon, the former Kansas City Chiefs 2nd round pick who spent the past four seasons in New Orleans playing for Dennis Allen.
It isn’t hard to see the reasoning behind these moves. Jaylon Johnson will miss a couple of weeks with a leg injury he suffered while training. Austin Booker also needs some competition at edge rusher. Depth at edge rusher and cornerback is crucial, especially in Allen’s scheme. Kpassagnon was never a great player, but he had some solid seasons in this defense. His best came in 2023, where he finished with 34 pressures and four sacks. Such players can be valuable in a rotation.
The #Bears making multiple veteran additions at the start of camp, signing DL Tanoh Kpassagnon and DB Tre Flowers.
That has been the goal from the beginning. Allen wants to push everybody on the depth chart. His job is to get the best 11 players on the field. That can only be done when everybody is forced to confront at least the smallest chance of not starting or getting a roster spot. Flowers and Kpassagnon might not be stars, but they’ve been around the NFL for a long time. That doesn’t happen unless you know what you’re doing. They should dial up the intensity a little bit for the Chicago Bears. Whether they make the roster will depend on how others respond to their challenge. It should be a fun next month.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view of MLB Draft signage on the stage at The Coca-Cola Roxy. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
With the MLB Draft in the rearview mirror, teams have until July 28th to sign their draft class. With a little less than a week to go, signings are starting to trickle in across the league. After a very successful 2025 draft, all eyes are on the White Sox to ensure they sign all 20 of their picks.
While there has been some movement on the back half of the draft class, some of the White Sox top picks remain unsigned. There were recently reports that the White Sox were able to come to an agreement with second rounder Jayden Fauske, which is a nice development.
Today, the White Sox were able to agree to teams with the most important member of their draft class, as Jesse Rogers reports that the White Sox and the 10th overall pick, Billy Carlson, were able to come to an agreement.
The good news continues for the White Sox as they're undefeated since the break. Today, their top pick in the draft, SS Billy Carlson, inked his deal with the team, signing for slot value at No. 10, about $6.2 mil. Carlson, who turns 19 in a week is from Corona, California.
This is key, as Carlson was one of the most touted prospects in the class. The fact that the White Sox were able to get him for slot value is even more impressive, as Carlson was ranked as the 7th prospect on MLB Pipeline.
Typically prep players sign for more money than the slot value if they’re taken around or lower than they’re ranked, so this was a very nice move for the White Sox. This is also different from last year, as the White Sox signed Hagen Smith for more than slot value. This now allows the White Sox to use the money saved by not going overslot to entice other players in the class to sign.
The best prep fielder in this draft, Billy Carlson has the tools to be one of MLB’s best defensive shortstops in the future. Carlson has plus-plus hands with a great arm, which he’s… pic.twitter.com/elgFRDi0eh
— TheBaseballReport (@BaseballReport_) July 13, 2025
Viewed as one of the best defensive players in the draft, Carlson offers more than just the glove, as he had a solid offensive season for Corona High School.
According to Bleacher Report and Joel Reuter, Carlson hit .365 with an outstanding .517 OBP. He added 6 homeruns, 34 RBI, and 9 stolen bases. This is a very solid season for Carlson, as he could continue to improve with the bat as he progresses in his minor league career.
While it is unclear what the plan is for Carlson for this season, it is notable that 2024 second round pick Caleb Bonemer, also a prep shortstop, was assigned to the Arizona Complex league a few days after signing his contract, however he did not play any affiliated baseball until this year.
It could be a different case here, as Carlson was the 10th overall selection, but neither top-11 prep selections in the 2024 draft made the jump to affiliated baseball that same season.
The White Sox have typically done a very good job at signing their draft picks, as they came to an agreement with 20 out of 21 of the players in the 2024 class, as the White Sox weren’t able to come to an agreement with 20th rounder Myles Bailey, who was a highly ranked prep bat. The White Sox likely knew they weren’t going to be able to sign Bailey, but it was worth a shot with their 20th round pick.
Bailey may have made the right choice, as he had an outstanding year as a freshman at Florida State. He hit .327 with a .441 OBP, adding 19 homeruns and 56 RBIs. He will likely be a first rounder in a few years, and now the front office has had communication with his camp, which could lead to the White Sox drafting him when he’s eligible.
Expect more news to come in about some of the other White Sox top picks, as if they played in college last season there is a chance they make the jump to affiliated ball at some point this season.
The White Sox have been the hottest team in baseball since the All-Star break, winning four consecutive games while outscoring opponents 35-10.
Their +25 run differential is the best in the MLB since the break, with the next closest team being the Blue Jays at +12. In the process, the White Sox also became the first team in MLB history to open the second half with four straight wins by five or more runs.
While the White Sox lineup has delivered across the board, it’s the team’s broadcaster — and his white polo — stealing the spotlight. The winning streak began Friday in Pittsburgh, the same night Dan Plesac, filling in for color analyst Steve Stone, donned a white polo featuring the team’s alternate diamond logo.
The White Sox proceeded to push across 10 runs on 11 hits, so Plesac decided to wear the polo again for game two of the series. Three games later, and the White Sox are undefeated since Pleasac put on the polo, logging 45 hits in the process.
“I have not washed the shirt,” Plesac said on MLB Network before Monday night’s game in Tampa Bay. “On the flight from Pittsburgh to Tampa last night, I took it off on the flight, hung it up, and when I hung it up, I was like ‘oh man, this stench is getting real’ so just told my partner and everyone with the White Sox I’m affiliated with, ‘embrace the stench’. It’s the smell of winning.”
Plesac has dubbed the shirt the “rally polo” on social media, and it’s hard to argue with the results. The team’s sweep of the Pirates marked the organization’s first road sweep since 2022.
Beating the hapless Pirates is one thing, but going to Tampa Bay and beating a Rays team that is still in playoff contention is another. On Monday, the White Sox jumped on Rays starter Shane Baz, with Brooks Baldwin launching a three-run homer in the second inning. They added three more in the third on a Luis Robert Jr. RBI single and a Colson Montgomery fielder’s choice. Miguel Vargas later added a two-run homer to add a pair of insurance runs in the top of the fifth inning as the White Sox would go on to win 8-2.
The 4-0 run is the best second-half start for the team since 2005, when the White Sox went 5-0 after the break before going on to win the World Series. While the 2025 White Sox might not have a World Series in the future, they certainly have been embracing the stench of winning.
May 10, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver (87) Luther Burden III participates in rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Luther Burden III, the Chicago Bears second round pick, is already making a strong impression with his relentless work ethic. A recent video from the Walter Payton Center shows Burden training alone—despite just finalizing his rookie contract—showcasing his dedication ahead training camp under new head coach Ben Johnson. More good news: It looks like Burden’s soft tissue issue is no longer affecting his practice time.
Burden has made it clear he believes he should’ve been a first round pick, and that chip on his shoulder is fueling his every move. His mindset and hunger are exactly what NFL teams look for in young talent. At Halas Hall, that drive is already being noticed, fitting perfectly with Johnson’s plan to surround quarterback Caleb Williams with dynamic playmakers alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
The Walter Payton Center, has become the backdrop for Burden’s focused preparation. As Bears players report to camp on Tuesday, his early work and mentality suggest he’s ready to compete, contribute, and become a key piece of the Bears future right away. However, he will have an uphill battle as the Bears wide receiver room is one of the deepest position groups on the roster. But Ben Johnson definitely has a vision for Burden even in year one. It will be fascinating to see how that all works as camp gets underway. You can watch Burden’s full video here.
LIVE: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson Speak | Bears Hit with Injury News as Camp Opens
Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) during pregame warmups before their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Alright, let’s cut the sugarcoating — this Bears squad looks nothing like the limp offense and hopeless defense that haunted us in 2024. Under Ben Johnson and a teeth‑gnashing roster reset, Chi‑Town’s youth movement isn’t just a concept — it’s a threat. That doesn’t just whisper “possible.” It screams “inevitable breakout.” Here are the five players who’ll morph from untested to untouchable — and why we should buckle up for lift‑off.
1. Caleb Williams (QB)
Why He’s About to Burn the Ceiling Down
Remember the rookie version in 2024? 3,541 yards, 20 TDs, just six interceptions, 62.5% completion. Rookie QB who stays under 10 INTs? That’s efficiency, baby. And now he’s got a coach who knows how to stack wins — a complete 180 from last year’s dumpster fire.
He didn’t have it easy. Constant pressure, an unrefined run game, and a battered o-line made every down a coin flip. Yet he managed to play smart, limit mistakes, and show that innate pocket presence that made him the top pick. He made plays when they mattered and never let the chaos get to him.
Caleb Williams Draft Profile, per PFF.
Coaching Surge = Williams’ Launchpad
Ben Johnson didn’t hire himself for the colors, folks. His offense led the NFL with 564 points in 2024 in Detroit. Yeah, QB play is contagious. Jared Goff went from exiled Ram to NFC title game signal-caller. More recently? Amon-Ra St. Brown lighting it up. Sam LaPorta breaking rookie TE records. If Williams can operate that engine, he’s not just good — he’s elite.
Johnson has a playbook with wrinkles designed to punish defenses that overcommit. Misdirection, motion, layered routes — this is an ecosystem built for quarterback confidence. It’s not a coincidence Jared Goff went from castaway to NFC title game QB under Johnson’s wing. Expect Williams to make that leap, and maybe even more.
Projections Say He’s the Most Improved
Analytics aren’t jerking us around. PFF calls him possibly “most improved QB in the NFL” for 2025. And let’s be honest — after getting sacked 68 times last season, better o‑line protection + instinctive decision‑making = boom.
The Bears also brought in veteran Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, & Jonah Jackson signaling that protection is no longer a luxury — it’s the expectation. If you give Williams even two seconds more to throw, you’re looking at 4,000+ yards and a Pro Bowl nod.
2. Rome Odunze (WR)
Rookie Year Promise = Signal Flare
Odunze didn’t just play his rookie year — he announced himself. 54 catches, 734 yards and a taste of toughness in crunch-time conversions. What people forget? That’s the fourth-most receiving yards by a rookie in Bears history — putting him in rare air with names like Willie Gault and Mike Ditka. Now? With Keenan Allen gone, that WR2 spotlight is his to lose.
Odunze showed separation ability, contested-catch acumen, and real synergy with Williams. He hauled in third-and-longs, got physical with corners, and showed maturity beyond his age. It wasn’t a rookie highlight reel — it was a preview of the alpha WR2 he’s about to become.
Most Receiving Yards by a Player in Chicago Bears in a Rookie Season, per Statsmuse.
Johnson’s WR Factory
Check patterns: Johnson comes in, top WRs thrive. NFL.com even dropped Odunze on their “2025 All‑Breakout Team” specifically because he’ll benefit from Caleb’s ascension and Johnson’s system. That’s not hype — that’s logic.
Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit was surgical under Johnson, and Odunze has a similar profile with a bigger catch radius. The beauty of Johnson’s offense is that WR2s often eat too. If defenses focus on DJ Moore, Odunze will feast on CB2s all year.
Analytics On Fire
13.7 yards per catch as a rookie signals YAC and contested-catch skill. He’s got chemistry with Williams, and Bears analytics already rate Chicago among the top-five most exciting young offenses in the NFL. With slot opportunities and more red-zone volume, Odunze’s output is primed to double.
If he sees 110+ targets in 2025 (which he should), 80 catches and 1,100 yards is not just possible — it’s likely.
3. Roschon Johnson (RB)
From Underdog to Lead Dog
Remember him as the fourth-rounder? His first two seasons — 136 carries, 502 yards, 8 TDs — have been underwhelming given his potential. Now? With D’Andre Swift expected to continue the RB1 duties, Johnson could carve out a significant RB1B role in this offense — a power-back complement who earns real volume in Ben Johnson’s split-back approach.
He’s not flashy, but he’s relentless. Roschon punishes defenders.. He makes a defense hate their job paticularly in the redzone, and that’s something you can build an offense around.
Fit = Usability
Ben Johnson adores power backs. He ran Jamaal Williams and Montgomery into the earth in Detroit, and Rosch hits like that. He’s built for contact, excels after contact (>45% forced missed tackles in college), and can protect the QB. Perfect fit.
He also has soft hands, which opens up screen game possibilities. That versatility is key in Johnson’s offense — keep defenses guessing, and Roschon can burn them all day.
Analysts Notice the Groove
Insiders say he’s “wide open pathway to top‑20 RB” if he cracks 110 touches. Step into Roschon’s cleats and vision this: Montgomery in 2022 — before he got hurt — put teeth into Detroit’s run-first mantra. Roschon is Chicago’s equivalent, and if he hits If he reaches 110 touches — even as the RB1B — projections suggest he could push toward 700–800 total yards and notch 6–8 touchdowns. That level of production in a split-backfield could make him one of the league’s most efficient complementary backs.
4. Gervon Dexter Sr. (DT)
Silent Storm on the Interior
Who else had 5 sacks, 17 QB hits and 39 pressures as a 23-year-old starting defensive tackle in 2024? That’s Dexter. And he already fits a mold: high ceiling for interior pass rush that most teams can’t mic up.
He showed flashes against some of the league’s best linemen. Games against Green Bay and Minnesota proved he could hold the point of attack and collapse pockets. That’s not common for a second-year DT — that’s rare air.
Time to Pressure Leaderboard (Weeks 1-6) of the 2024-25 NFL Season, per Doug Analytics
Defensive Architecture = Dexter’s Blueprint
Dennis Allen’s arrival changes everything. He’s going aggressive up front, sending one-on-ones into Dexter’s wheelhouse. Add Andrew Billings and a healthy Grady Jarrett to force double teams — Dexter’s getting the green light to chase sacks.
Allen has a history of making young DTs blossom. Look what he did with David Onyemata and Sheldon Rankins in New Orleans. Dexter fits that style and then some.
Predictions = 8+ Sacks Incoming
Multiple forecast models peg him for 8+ sacks in 2025. That flips the script on the usual DT: Dexter’s not dancing in the trenches — he’s dominating.
5. Tyrique Stevenson (CB)
Master Growth During Rookie Year
He started shaky — 43 receptions for 473 yards allowed through eight games. Then something clicked. He finished allowing only 27 catches and 358 yards, snagged four interceptions in the back half. That’s not luck – that’s adaptability and grit.
Stevenson showed real mental toughness his rookie year. He didn’t fold under pressure, didn’t whine when he got beat. He learned. That’s exactly what you want in a CB. By year’s end, he looked like a guy ready to take WR1s off the board, but that was not the same in 2024.
Advanced Metrics Track the Trajectory
In 2024, Stevenson was targeted 81 times — still one of the higher rates among second-year corners. He allowed a 53.1% completion rate and snagged two interceptions, all in the second half of the season. His PFF grade declined to 58.9, Even though he had a down year, his raw skill set gives me hope for a bounce back year.
Coaching Boost With Allen & Harris
Did you see Bears coaching? Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and CB savant Al Harris are being shipped in to coach Stevenson’s style: press man. That’s his wheelhouse. That aggressive lockdown coverage is his natural habitat.
These two coaches will refine his footwork, clean up his grabby tendencies, and unlock his full toolbox. He’s got length, speed, and twitch. The addition of Dennis Allen might be the biggest factor in why I still have faith in Stevenson. There’s a chance I’m wrong — but I’m hoping I’m not. Combine that with confidence, and you’ve got a lockdown corner in the making.
Common Factors Igniting Explosions
Coaching Renaissance Offense isn’t the problem anymore. With the setup Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen bring, every phase of the game is getting smarter, more aggressive—and suited for these guys to shine.
Youthful Rawness Average roster age ~25.5. That’s not just young—it’s developmental gold in a league where experience is king. This core is learning the system together and ready to pop.
Scheme Fit = Instant Gains Williams, Odunze, Roschon, Dexter, Stevenson—they weren’t drafted just for flash. Their games check off the boxes in terms of scheme compatibility and developmental timing.
Analytical Validation It’s not just flame. PFF, NFL.com, fantasy VPs—the numbers point to upward arcs, not fluke stats. These aren’t hopeful wishes—they’re forecasted surges.
Final Verdict
One season ago, Chicago was a punchline. Not anymore. These five players embody the shift. From Williams and Odunze naming the offense, to Roschon running it, and Dexter and Stevenson defining edge and core — this squad is tailored to evolve fast. The ceiling? Playoff contention. The possibilities? They’re real.
Let Chicago fans grip hold — because the rise of these five could rewrite the franchise narrative and change Ficky-level blues into playoff delirium.
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman (52) blocks against offensive tackle Luke Newman (65) during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Upgrading the offensive line was the biggest focus of the Chicago Bears’ offseason. It was for obvious reasons. Whenever you’re young quarterback gets sacked 68 times in a season, something is wrong. Also, new head coach Ben Johnson understood from his time in Detroit that the fastest way to offensive success was up front. He couldn’t bring the elite Lions blockers with him, so he’d have to enact a plan to find serious help. The highlight of the spring was when the Bears traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, former Pro Bowl guards. However, it didn’t end there. Chicago next threw a huge bag at free agent center Drew Dalman.
This was a minor surprise to some. While Dalman had emerged as a really good player in Atlanta, there was confusion about his fit in Johnson’s offense. The worry was that he lacked the necessary size and power. In reality, that isn’t what the Bears head coach wanted. It was Dalman’s mobility. Expert and insider Brett Kollman revealed on the Bootleg Football podcast that Johnson will change the Bears’ offense in one significant way.
They are going to run tons of outside-zone in the running game. You need a center that can get out and move to do that. Few do it better than Dalman.
Ben Johnson understands what works.
No running scheme in NFL history has been more successful than the outside-zone. Mike Shanahan popularized it in the 1990s and 2000s with the Denver Broncos, winning three Super Bowls and turning multiple no-name running backs into stars. It almost always works if you have an athletic offensive line and a running back with good vision. The system has been central to the success of several teams in recent years. Sean McVay won the Super Bowl with it in 2021. Kyle Shanahan reached the Super Bowl twice in 2019 and 2023. Gary Kubiak won the Super Bowl in 2015 with Denver. Matt Lafleur has made the playoffs every year in Green Bay since taking over in 2019.
If it works, you’re doing your team a disservice by not taking advantage. Ben Johnson understood that from the moment he took over the Lions offense in 2022. Now he runs the show in Chicago and has the perfect center to execute his plan.
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
We all know the story by now. Caleb Williams was the heavy favorite to be the #1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The Chicago Bears held that pick. However, there was a stretch of time where it felt like there was a possibility the two sides wouldn’t come together. Considering their rough history at quarterback, Williams had serious reservations about coming to Chicago. Conversely, Williams had a reputation for being a me-first guy and had significant questions about his ability to process defenses at high speed.
Things worked out in the end. The Bears eased Williams’ fears about fully committing to his success while he shined in interviews with his poise, confidence, and intelligence. From there, the decision became easy for GM Ryan Poles. However, Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron revealed that there was an alternative in mind if Williams didn’t make the right impression. Before you say it, no, it wouldn’t have been Jayden Daniels. Apparently, the Bears quietly had eyes on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
I've mentioned on my podcast and probably on Twitter/articles, I've always been confident that JJ McCarthy was QB2 for Ryan Poles and the Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft.
I don't believe they were close to drafting him at one. Caleb was always the plan. Had the predraft process with… https://t.co/HSVhnwHdzV
McCarthy at least made some sense in the absence of Caleb Williams.
Plenty of people called for the Bears to trade down from #1 again. Granted, this was because they wanted the team to continue with Justin Fields. However, the scenario of moving down for a massive haul and taking McCarthy has logic to it. While not as prolific statistically as other quarterbacks in the draft, he had a reputation as a winner and seemed to shine brightest in big games. There was also the fact that he is an Illinois native, hailing from La Grange. That meant he would have a unique understanding of how to play in front of Bears fans. No doubt, the decision would’ve been received less than well if things played out as they did with McCarthy going on IR with his knee problem while Daniels thrived in Washington. Caleb Williams working out was probably for the best.
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
One thing that is fully guaranteed when a new coaching staff takes over is things won’t stay the same. Players who thought they had a firm grasp on starting jobs now sit on uncertain ground. Some may not even last on the roster. If there was anybody who seemed relatively safe going into this year, it was Gervon Dexter. The big defensive tackle had a strong second season for the Chicago Bears, posting five sCacks and 19 quarterback hits. This year felt like a great chance to build on that success.
It appears plans have changed. According to Adam Jahns of CHGO, new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has no plans to keep Dexter at his original three-technique position. That will be taken over by former Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett, likely with rookie Shemar Turner backing him up.
It starts with fitting in Dennis Allen’s defense. He’s no longer the Bears’ starter at three-technique defensive tackle, a role that he was drafted for in Matt Eberflus’ defense. His selection was a projection based on glimpses he showed at Florida. His transition required work and time. That’s over now.
This raises the obvious question: What happens now? Initial assumptions would be that Dexter moves to nose tackle. He played that position in college and might be a good alternative to Andrew Billings, who is in his 30s and coming off a torn pectoral. However, there is a growing belief that Allen has different plans for him, ones that involve shifting outside.
Gervon Dexter fits the defensive end profile of this scheme.
Allen showed in New Orleans that he likes bigger defensive ends with great length. Cameron Jordan is a perfect example, standing 6’4 and 290 lbs. Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears’ recent free agent signing, also fits that profile at 6’6, 286 lbs. The key with Gervon Dexter is whether he can handle playing heavier. He was last listed at 312 lbs. That is considerable for a 4-3 defensive end, even with his significant length and power. Perhaps Allen will use him as more of a Swiss Army knife, moving inside and outside looking for favorable matchups. Truth be told, this decision makes some sense considering the Bears have depth questions at edge. Having Dexter rotating with Odeyingbo, Montez Sweat, and Austin Booker is at least intriguing.
