Bears rookie is already making a strong case for major role
Chicago Bears second-round pick DT Gervon Dexter Sr. is already making a strong impression on his coaching staff as the second week of OTAs is underway. Dexter was drafted No. 53 overall as the first of three interior defensive linemen the Bears selected with Zacch Pickens (64th overall) and Travis Bell (218th overall) behind him. […]
Chicago Bears second-round pick DT Gervon Dexter Sr. is already making a strong impression on his coaching staff as the second week of OTAs is underway.
Dexter was drafted No. 53 overall as the first of three interior defensive linemen the Bears selected with Zacch Pickens (64th overall) and Travis Bell (218th overall) behind him. Chicago is clearly putting an emphasis on versatility in the trenches in 2023, which leaves Dexter in position to make an instant impact.
Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams spoke to reporters on Wednesday and gave a glowing review of Dexter. It’s often said that you can’t teach size, but Dexter’s remarkable athleticism to go along with his 6-foot-6 313-pound frame is what has Chicago’s coaching staff drooling over the Florida product.
“I don't have any checkpoints I'm just seeing where he is,” Williams said on getting Dexter acclimated to the NFL. “For any rookie, it’s always a transition learning phase when guys come in, so I don't put any restrictions on guys or any expectations. I just want to see what they are and so far his biggest asset — on top of that he's big, he's physical, he's fast — I looked at our GPS and boy, he is running fast. But the best thing that I noticed is the willingness to be coached the willingness to learn. So as hard as you can coach him, boy, he loves that and he excels with that. So I'm really liking that part of it.”
Hearing Williams describe Dexter’s drive to improve makes plenty of sense as to why the Bears targeted him in the first place. Head coach Matt Eberflus is working to instill a competitive culture with a roster who refuses to be out-worked by anybody. Dexter certainly fits that bill.
Dexter figures to slot in alongside Justin Jones, who the Bears added in free agency last offseason, as the primary features at the defensive tackle position. He will have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt early in the season and will play a major role in turning around what was a hapless defensive unit from just a season ago.
Featured image via Doug Engle / USA TODAY NETWORK
