Florida Coach Admits Gervon Dexter Landed In Ideal Spot With Bears

Gervon Dexter going 53rd overall to the Chicago Bears in the draft last month was met with a lukewarm response. While fans weren't opposed to beefing up the team's depleted defensive line, this didn't feel like the kind of guy they were looking for. The interior pass rush was a big problem last season. Dexter had two sacks in his final year at Florida. That doesn't reflect well on the logic of the pick. Some quickly labeled him as a likely nose tackle, primarily responsible for stopping the run. That is fine, but it's hard to justify spending the second-highest pick in your draft on such a player.

However, as information filtered out, it became apparent that Dexter's athletic upside was substantial. There were flash plays during his time at Florida, where he looked downright frightening as an interior pass rusher. Part of the problem was his slow get-off and also the way Florida coaches utilized him in their system. He wasn't asked to attack too often. Adam Hoge of the CHGO Bears podcast asked Florida defensive line coach Sean Spencer about it. Spencer has coached defensive linemen for 23 years now. He believes Dexter has boatloads of potential and may have landed in the perfect system.

Gervon Dexter will be given the gift of simplicity.

One of the great things about the Bears' defense is its simplicity. It believes in making players think less, allowing them to react more to their instincts. This allows them to play at a higher speed. Spencer seems to think that will benefit Dexter, leaning into what he does best. Nobody can say for sure if he can improve his snap anticipation, but if he does, the size, power, and athleticism can wreak havoc. In years past, Chicago has had some good three-techniques, but none with his arsenal of tools.

Much of this depends on Matt Ebeflus and his coaching staff. Poles believes in their ability to develop young players. Gervon Dexter represents their first big test. Dominique Robinson was a 5th round pick. His expectations for the NFL are far lower. Not so for a 2nd rounder. If Eberflus is good at his job, then he should be able to morph Dexter into some more. Success could change the landscape of the Bears' defense.