Some pretty lofty comparisons have been thrown around regarding Gervon Dexter since the Chicago Bears drafted him. A couple of top experts saw glimpses of Chris Jones. His own teammate Justin Jones said he sees a slimmer version of Linval Joseph. The Bears themselves didn’t give any comparisons. They loved his size, power, length, and athleticism. It’s felt like he hasn’t tapped into his full potential yet. Still, the team brass must’ve had somebody pictured in their heads when Dexter played on tape.
Robert Schmitz of Da Bears Blog may have provided an answer. He didn’t an excellent breakdown of the 2nd round pick on his YouTube channel, discussing the strengths and weaknesses that appear from snap to snap. He acknowledged Dexter has clear deficiencies as a pass rusher. His get-off is below average and he doesn’t know how to use his hands or arms to disengage from blocks. However, he is a completely different animal against the run. Blockers struggle to move him, and his presence makes life much easier for linebackers.
Schmitz believes he knows exactly who the Bears pictured once they decided to draft him.
Matt Eberflus likely knows what Gervon Dexter can offer.
Grover Stewart was a 4th round pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Eberflus arrived as defensive coordinator a year later. Through those first two years, the defensive tackle was a rotational player. In 2019, he was promoted to the team’s starting nose tackle spot. As a result, the Colts’ run defense went from 8th to 7th to 2nd by 2020. Stewart’s presence was a primary reason for this success. It reached a point where running up the middle was almost pointless. Once that happened, everything became easier defensively for the Colts.
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That is what Gervon Dexter can offer. He is more naturally gifted than Stewart. He’s bigger, longer, and more athletic. The two also seem to share that same violent mentality. While this may not be the elusive interior pass rusher the scheme needs, it’s easier to understand why the Bears drafted him. Rushing the passer is important, but it matters little if you can’t stop the run. That is especially true in a division marked by strong ground attacks. If Dexter is another Stewart, this team got a lot better.
I just wish his arms were 37 inches longer. Maybe his feet a half size smaller too…
You are absolutely right Carlitopen! If Dexter had been at Georgia instead of Carter, he might have been the DT everyone was raving about and he might have gone early in the 1st round.
Dexter wasn’t asked to “get off the ball” and penetrate in the scheme had been in in college. As such, analyzing his tape and drawing conclusions about his pass rushing ability is a waste of time. If he is as explosive and powerful as the data suggests, and he is determined to be the best he can be, he will be a force in the middle and an above average interior pass rusher. Think of Reggie White as a comp when he played interior D line. 6-5 and 325 lbs. Dexter is probably even more explosive (but probably not as… Read more »
can you stop analysing other people analysis and start your own analysis. that will be helpful
Doug Buffones keys to winning football, notice the order: 1. Run the ball, stop the man with the skin of the pig 2. Protect your qb, sack the qb 3. Protect the ball, take away the skin of the pig. Look at what Poles is doing. Stop this pass rusher stupidity and crying! No trades for a pass rusher dummies !