Chicago Bears sophomore defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. has been a standout performer throughout training camp. Head coach Matt Eberflus is counting on Dexter to take a step forward this season. A breakout campaign is on the horizon.
The No. 54 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dexter was a rotational player that often struggled as a rookie. Dexter didn't play 50% of Chicago's defensive snaps in any single game, according to charting from The Football Guys. Dexter concluded the season by playing 432 total snaps, a season-long workload of 40.34%.
Dexter appeared in all 17 regular-season games. The ex-Florida standout recorded 20 tackles, 29 pressures, 2.5 sacks, 16 hurries, 13 stops, and two pass breakups. Dexter endured a bunch of up-and-down performances. In Week 5 versus the Washington Commanders, he posted a season-high six pressures, four hurries, and two quarterback hits, per Pro Football Focus. It was his best single-game overall grade (85.5) and pass-rushing grade (82.1).
Gervon Dexter Sr. Vs veteran guard Connor McGovern.
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) August 11, 2024
Big year loading for Dexter. #DaBears #Bears pic.twitter.com/XeiUr7IRKi
Dexter particularly struggled as a run defender. Learning to displace interior NFL offensive linemen was a challenge throughout his first season. His season-long run defense grade was a lackluster 36.2, with many of his single-game grades falling in the same range. His struggles in that department could have prevented him from seeing the field with more regularity.
While Eberflus hopes Dexter's run defense will improve as a sophomore, they're especially counting on his pass-rushing metrics to contribute to a more well-rounded unit. The Bears recorded a 31st-ranked 30.0 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. General manager Ryan Poles didn't make sweeping changes to his defensive line this offseason, either. The biggest acquisition was fifth-round selection Austin Booker, who could play snaps on the edge after consecutive eye-opening preseason performances.
Justin Jones led all Bears interior defensive players in sacks last season with just 4.5 takedowns. Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Poles hasn't made any large investments at the position this summer after drafting Dexter and Zacch Pickens with top-65 picks during the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears are instead counting on Dexter and Pickens to grow into larger roles this year.
Gervon Dexter put in the work to become leaner and more explosive this offseason. He did so driven with a goal in mind for his career: “I want to have my name on those walls when you walk in (Halas Hall).” pic.twitter.com/N9X1J9v2LB
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) July 23, 2024
Poles signed defensive tackle Byron Cowart to a one-year contract worth $1.1 million. Keith Randolph Jr. was signed as an undrafted free agent. Neither player poses a large threat to Dexter's playing time, nor are they even guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.
Dexter will be working under a new defensive coordinator this season. Eberflus appointed former Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington to the role. In Buffalo, Washington helped develop defensive linemen such as Ed Oliver, Gregory Rousseau, and others. Dexter should be excited to learn under his tutelage during his sophomore campaign.
The Bears have a lot invested in Dexter's development this season. They plan on him being a focal point of their defensive line alongside Montez Sweat and Andrew Billings. Dexter possesses a clear pathway to enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign.
