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Bears rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter made waves during the offseason program, where his altered stance in Chicago’s defense has helped him generate more explosion off the ball.
Dexter made an impression during veteran minicamp when he got the best of starting interior offensive linemen Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair on a couple of occasions, including beating Jenkins for a sack.
While Dexter still has a long way to go in his development, his teammates can see his potenital to be an impact contributor on defense. In fact, defensive tackle Justin Jones has already seen enough to believe he can be a force in the NFL.
“I think he’s got some really, really strong hands and I think he knows ball,” Jones said. “I think he knows he’s got a little bit to learn and how to use his size – you know, like every bit of it – but he’s going to be a force in this league.
“I really do believe that. I haven’t seen anything like him in a very long time, and I don’t want to put anything in a box with him, but the closest person I can see him as is like a leaner Linval Joseph. Just the fact that he’s a big, strong guy who can move. If you’ve ever seen him run in a straight line, and just like run, I’m pretty sure he’s probably beating a lot of people on our team. That’ll surprise you.”
You get out what you put in 💯🦍 pic.twitter.com/IgVAIsOMWe
— Gervon Dexter SR (@GervonDexter) June 20, 2023
Dexter will start the season as a rotational piece on the defensive line behind veterans Jones and Andrew Billings. Dexter has the versatility to play both three-technique and nose, where he saw work at during the offseason.
But the hope, and expectation, is Dexter will establish himself as a long-term starter along the defensive line, alongside fellow rookie defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.
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