Even before OTAs were set to begin last month, Gervon Dexter had a plan. He wanted to get the entire Chicago Bears defensive line together for workouts in Florida. It was a notable step for the third-year defensive tackle. Until recently, he'd been seen as a talented young player who was following the lead of veterans on the roster like Montez Sweat, Andrew Billings, and DeMarcus Walker. However, this was the first instance of him taking charge as a leader in his own right.
He had the usual reasons for it.
Dexter explained to Cassie Carlson of Fox 32 that his primary goal was driven by a belief that the best defensive lines are ones that stick together both on and off the field. That came from his time studying the game and hearing stories from other players. He wanted to instill something similar in Chicago. That said, it wasn't the only reason. Dexter admitted there was a more selfish motivation for getting the workout organized as quickly as possible.
He wanted a chance to work with Grady Jarrett.
Gervon Dexter knew exactly what the Bears were doing.
Signing Jarrett wasn't about adding a great player who could transform the defense. That would've been five years ago. Jarrett isn't that player anymore. Still, he has some gas left in the tank and, more importantly, a wealth of knowledge on how to excel in this league. Gervon Dexter knows the key to his ascent is learning how to become a top-tier interior pass rusher. Few were better at it for most of the past decade than Jarrett. If he can give Dexter the necessary guidance to unlock those last few doors, the Bears may have themselves a dominant force who is still just 23 years old. He drew comparisons to Chris Jones for a reason and appears to be in excellent shape. All they need is for that light to go on.
