Bears' third-year defender projected as 'underappreciated weapon' in new scheme

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, the Chicago Bears felt they had no choice but to make wholesale changes this offseason. We’ve seen several transactions take place. Some of them may pay off in a big way. 

One potential upgrade arrives on defense, with former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen now taking control of making the defensive play calls as the new coordinator. Allen brings 14 years of NFL experience as either a defensive coordinator or head coach to the Windy City, and he could help weaponize one of Chicago’s young players.

Specifically, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice believes third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is the Bears’ most “underappreciated” player, and he could be in for a big year.

 “Dexter started last season on a tear with four sacks and 10 QB hits in Chicago’s first five games,” Filice wrote. “He only recorded one sack and nine QB hits in his final 10 games, though, missing two contests due to a knee injury. To be fair, the second-year pro didn’t have much support on the Bears’ defensive interior, especially after fellow DT Andrew Billings suffered a season-ending injury in early November. But Ryan Poles fortified the D-line in free agency (adding Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett) and the draft (second-round pick Shemar Turner). With that influx of talent, Dexter could be set to move around the front more as a more versatile weapon in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.”

Dexter may have missed two games due to injury, but he was still rather effective, racking up 51 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and even a pass deflection to go along with five sacks. Those are impressive numbers for a defensive tackle. 

Considering Dexter still graded as the 28th-best DT per Pro Football Focus, the Bears have to be excited about the 23-year-old’s future if he can remain healthy. Perhaps this is the year when he goes from an underappreciated player to a breakout star.

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