Bears Scout Reveals The Play That Sold Gervon Dexter To Them

Nobody disputed the Chicago Bears when they took Darnell Wright 10th overall last month. It made plenty of sense. He was one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Justin Fields desperately needed more protection. It was hard to argue. Opinions didn't truly divide until 24 hours later when they hatched a minor surprise by taking Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter 53rd overall. While the Bears did need interior help on the defensive line, most feel it was a pass rush issue. Based on his modest stat production, that isn't what Dexter brings to the table.

At least not at first glance. To help illustrate what the Bears see in him, assistant college scouting director Breck Ackley decided to show some game tape. He highlighted one specific play that sold Dexter to the organization. It came against LSU. On a pass play, he took on the center, ragdolling him with his natural power and block-shedding ability. This broke down the interior protection, causing the quarterback to run right into Dexter's free arm for the sack. It is an impressive display of what he is and what he can become.

Gervon Dexter doesn't need big production to make an impact.

That is the underlying point Ackley was making. His sheer presence in the middle makes life difficult for offensive linemen. He's too big and strong to move off his spot with one guy, meaning double teams will be a regular occurrence. If Dexter can take greater advantage of his athleticism by improving his get-off, he could become a force nobody wants to face. At worst, it feels like he'll be a solid nose tackle that helps them against the run and can clear lanes for other pass rushers to get the quarterback.

The Bears don't view Gervon Dexter as a finished product. They have big aspirations for him. GM Ryan Poles trusts head coach Matt Eberflus will give him the development necessary to maximize his talents. The rest is up to Dexter himself. He must learn to improve his weaknesses while accenting his strengths. That takes hard work and relentless fine-tuning of his craft. Many young defensive linemen aren't willing to go that extra mile. This regime seems confident Dexter will.