Nobody disputed the Chicago Bears when they took Darnell Wright 10th overall last month. It made plenty of sense. He was one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Justin Fields desperately needed more protection. It was hard to argue. Opinions didn’t truly divide until 24 hours later when they hatched a minor surprise by taking Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter 53rd overall. While the Bears did need interior help on the defensive line, most feel it was a pass rush issue. Based on his modest stat production, that isn’t what Dexter brings to the table.
At least not at first glance. To help illustrate what the Bears see in him, assistant college scouting director Breck Ackley decided to show some game tape. He highlighted one specific play that sold Dexter to the organization. It came against LSU. On a pass play, he took on the center, ragdolling him with his natural power and block-shedding ability. This broke down the interior protection, causing the quarterback to run right into Dexter’s free arm for the sack. It is an impressive display of what he is and what he can become.
Gervon Dexter doesn’t need big production to make an impact.
That is the underlying point Ackley was making. His sheer presence in the middle makes life difficult for offensive linemen. He’s too big and strong to move off his spot with one guy, meaning double teams will be a regular occurrence. If Dexter can take greater advantage of his athleticism by improving his get-off, he could become a force nobody wants to face. At worst, it feels like he’ll be a solid nose tackle that helps them against the run and can clear lanes for other pass rushers to get the quarterback.
The Bears don’t view Gervon Dexter as a finished product. They have big aspirations for him. GM Ryan Poles trusts head coach Matt Eberflus will give him the development necessary to maximize his talents. The rest is up to Dexter himself. He must learn to improve his weaknesses while accenting his strengths. That takes hard work and relentless fine-tuning of his craft. Many young defensive linemen aren’t willing to go that extra mile. This regime seems confident Dexter will.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
I have a feeling he’s gonna be that “unsung hero” for our D-line.
I think they’ll have him play 1T and 3T and Picken’s will do the same so… each will get SOME glory and some grunt work. put the 2 of them on either shoulder of the center…and the OGs HAVE to help.(that removes at least 1 HUGE running lane and frees up the MIK to ‘run to the ball’.
I’m telling you all… this D’ is NOT going to be an embarrassment for us Bear fans anymore.
BEAR DOWN!
Let’s hope he’s better than Tuli Tuipalatu
Florida’s defensive coordinator has already started in an interview on CHGO that he was a read and react player in their system, and in the same interview stated that he will be utilized to his strengths in Chicago, where he wasn’t utilized to his full potential in Florida.
Boy that “highlight” kinda really showed how Dexter has abysmal get-off. If they could somehow coach that outa him, he may become an all-pro. Him being the last outa their stance might be his lone weakness.