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With the 53rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears drafted Florida defensive tackle (DT) Gervon Dexter Sr. This surprised a lot of Bears fans, as Poles opted for a DT when center was (and sadly has been) a significant area to address for the Bears. With Andrew Billings and Justin Jones taking a vast percentage of the starting snaps, how did Dexter Sr. prove with limited snaps that he was the right draft choice?
Defensive Tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.
Shining With Limited Opportunities
Dexter Sr. started relatively quiet due to the Bears figuring out how to utilize him in the lineup. Standing tall at 6’6″ and weighing 310 pounds, Dexter presented a formidable presence, eagerly awaiting his chance to contribute on the field. However, giving a crowded DT room equal playing time is hard. He had to prove to the Bears that he was worth sharing valuable snaps. As the season progressed, the Bears started to figure out ways to give Dexter Sr. more playing time. Dexter Sr. recorded nine pressures in the first eight games, but his performance took a positive turn as the season progressed. By the end of his rookie year, Dexter Sr. tallied 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 29 pressures, and two pass breakups.
Gervon Dexter Sr.: 20 QB pressures since week 10
3rd among all rookies
pic.twitter.com/bwHisCZ3jZ
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) January 5, 2024
2024 Outlook
Dexter Sr. emerged as a dependable and formidable force for the Bears on the field. With Jones set to become a free agent and probably leaving this offseason, Dexter Sr. is poised to have more chances to showcase his skills. The upcoming season should see Dexter Sr. flourishing with extended playing time and an improved defensive front. Also, newly hired Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington was previously the Buffalo Bills defensive line coach. Given Washington’s track record in developing talents like Ed Oliver and A.J. Epenesa, unlocking Dexter Sr.’s potential shouldn’t be challenging.
It’s easier in college to use your physical gifts to force your way to the quarterback, but it’s much more challenging in the NFL. The best DTs don’t rely solely on their physical abilities; instead, they rely on their technique. This is precisely the aspect Dexter Sr. should focus on during the offseason. While his college training emphasized reacting to the opposing guard based on his physical gifts, honing his technique in the NFL could elevate him to the caliber of players like Akiem Hicks or Fletcher Cox.
Gervon Dexter Sr. Rookie Season Grade: B
Dexter Sr. will be a significant asset for the Bears defensive line for years. His noteworthy performance in a setting dominated by veteran DTs underscores his remarkable potential. Notably, there was considerable debate over Poles’ decision to draft Darnell Wright over Jalen Carter in the first round. Still, Dexter Sr. ultimately outperformed Carter with a higher rush win rate. If Dexter Sr. can continue to improve his game, it’ll open up more opportunities to be on the field. With all that to keep in mind, it’s hard not to get excited over Dexter Sr. having a massive jump in year two—time to see Dexter Sr. turn into one of the premier DTs in the game.
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