New Gervon Dexter Photo Could Signal Change To Bears Draft Plans

The Chicago Bears can't be viewed as the same team from last year. This is often difficult to remember. A new coaching staff is in charge. That almost always leads to significant changes, not just schematically but also in personnel—more specifically, how certain players are utilized. For example, Matt Nagy drafted Teven Jenkins as a tackle in 2021. A year later, Matt Eberflus and his staff moved him to guard. Could a similar transition be coming for Gervon Dexter?

It sounds somewhat odd after the defensive tackle had a strong second season with five sacks and 19 quarterback hits. However, a recent photograph released by the Bears at the start of voluntary workouts suggests something is afoot. Dexter looks much slimmer than somebody who was listed at 312 lbs should.

Now, maybe he's still around that weight, and it is a trick of the angle, but first glance suggests he looks closer to 280, meaning he may have lost over 30 lbs. If that is the case, there is no way that happened unless his new coaches asked him to. That would mean he is switching positions.

Gervon Dexter could become a defensive end under Dennis Allen.

The new Bears defensive coordinator has a long track record of preferred edge players who are big and strong. Cameron Jordan was 287 lbs. Trey Hendrickson was 270. New arrival Dayo Adeyingbo is 287. Former 1st round pick Payton Turner was 270. Allen likes big guys. Dexter is 6'6 with excellent power. Slimming him down to the 280s range should make him quick enough to play on the end, though his lack of explosiveness might limit his ceiling. One thing is certain: such a move would alter the Bears' draft plans.

It would immediately subtract a key contributor from the defensive tackle depth chart. That means the Bears could end up being more aggressive in the early rounds to address the position. Reports indicate this is a great year for teams who want defensive tackle help. Chicago has four picks in the first three rounds. If Gervon Dexter is shifting to defensive end, they could double-dip at the position.