Bears Training Camp Battle Breakdown: Sorting out the interior defensive line rotation after multiple additions and one returning player
Training camp is less than a week away for the Chicago Bears, for the rookie class at least, with the first group of players set to report on July 19th.Over the last few days, we've be breaking down each of the biggest roster battles set to begin during camp including at left tackle, outside CB2, […]
Training camp is less than a week away for the Chicago Bears, for the rookie class at least, with the first group of players set to report on July 19th.
Over the last few days, we've be breaking down each of the biggest roster battles set to begin during camp including at left tackle, outside CB2, linebacker, running back, with more on the way.
One of the deepest positions in 2025 is going to be on the interior of the defensive line, and while there's not necessarily a major battle for that spot, it's worth breaking down each player who is set to be in the rotation. So, let's take a look.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
The key player on the interior for the Bears is easily Gervon Dexter Sr. entering a critical third season. The 2025 season is a prime opportunity for Dexter to breakout on a national stage after basically carrying the team's entire front in 2024.
Under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Dexter's length can be a real attribute off the edge along with being a three-down threat on the inside, something Dexter admitted he's excited about.
"He throws in a lot of different fronts, a lot of different ways to get after the quarterback and stuff like that. So I think being the type of guy I am, I can play in a lot of those different fronts," Dexter said. "So just being in it and he'll move guys around the way, and the offense – he'll switch it up on the offense. It’ll be good for not only me, but everybody on the defensive line and on this defense."
Grady Jarrett
The veteran newcomer lining up for the Bears in 2025 is Grady Jarrett, who spent the first 10 years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jarrett will bring some major leadership to the interior of the defensive line and a player who can assist developing the younger guys up-front as a on-field coach.
The other thing he brings to the rest of the front is helping create easier running lanes. Even in Year 10, Jarrett has the ability to command chips and double-teams leading to one-on-one opportunities for other pass rushers in Chicago.
Dayo Odeyingbo
Some might be confused seeing the team's high investment in free agency included in this list. While Dayo Odeyingbo is traditionally an edge rusher and will likely start opposite Sweat, certain packages can result in Odeyingbo showing off his versatility by moving inside.
"I think one of the things that he does exceptionally well is, I think he moves inside on passing downs and rushes really well from the interior," Allen explained.
While in Indianapolis, the Colts liked to move Odeyingbo inside on those critical situations to generate pressure up the middle. If Allen plays to deploy a similar plan, it'll be interesting to see if it's Dexter who kicks off the edge or if another edge player such as Dominique Robinson or Austin Booker rotates in.
Shemar Turner
Another versatile pass rusher in the arsenal is second-round rookie Shemar Turner. While at Texas A&M, Turner was tasked with kicking outside from time to time but did the bulk of his work on the interior.
Turner plays with a highly aggressive style. This guy looks to bring the boom that can jolt the entire defense both on the quarterback and against the run. On the flip side, that style of play brings some concern when it comes to getting called for penalties.
"You see explosion and power with this player," Allen explained. "He's got the right temperament for what we're looking for. I think we'll have to put the saddle on him and break him a little bit, but we're excited about working with him."
Andrew Billings
In short yardage and goal-line situations, you won't miss seeing Andrew Billings on the field, but he brings much more to the table than being a big-bodied run stuffer.
Prior to suffering a season-ending pectoral injury, Billings ranked inside the Top-10 among all interior defenders with a 80.8 pass rush grade. While the pressure and sack numbers weren't eye-popping, the tape showed him pushing the pocket back from the middle of the line of scrimmage.
As Billings works his way back into the fold, he's set to be a rotational guy after starting all eight games he played in 2024.
"I’m working through everything with everybody else," Billings said. "Part of what we’re doing here, too, is figuring out our roles. Of course, I had a big role last year, but every year you have to work up to maintaining that. That’s what we’re looking for. I’m still going to be the run stopper. I’m still going to work on pass rush. I’m still going to work on my movement and keeping my energy up."
What will the depth look like?
Behind these six players, it'll be interesting to see who else the Bears keep on the final 53-man roster, if any other players even make the cut.
The rest of the roster on the interior consists of former third-round pick Zacch Pickens, 2024 trade acquisition Chris Williams, a run-stuffer in Jonathan Ford, plus a versatile defender in Daniel Hardy. It'll be a fun battle to watch and see who stands out during training camp.
