NFL Makes Surprising Choice For Chicago Bears' Most Underappreciated Player

The Chicago Bears only went 5-12 last season. It was their fourth consecutive losing record. One would understand if fans didn't take the time to appreciate the contributions of some of the players. There were definite standouts. Jaylon Johnson was great once again on defense. Darnell Wright took another step forward at right tackle. D.J. Moore had a good year. Rome Odunze showed flashes of promise. However, the losing made it difficult to recognize the effort and impact of others.

Were there any unsung heroes on the team? Some names might qualify. Kevin Byard led the team with 130 tackles and also had two sacks. For a safety, that is rare. T.J. Edwards had another standout year with 129 tackles and four sacks. However, the name Gennaro Filice of NFL.com chose for the team's most underappreciated player probably isn't the first one that comes to mind.

He thinks Gervon Dexter finally got some love for his improvements last season.

Dexter started last season on a tear with four sacks and 10 QB hits in Chicago’s first five games. 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.

The Chicago Bears can thank Dexter for much of their success.

He was a significant force in three of their five victories last season. He collected three sacks and eight quarterback hits against Tennessee, Carolina, and Los Angeles. He also recovered a fumble. It was a major step forward for Dexter. He'd been hounded by draft experts coming out of Florida, saying he didn't have the ability to become a true factor as an interior pass rusher. The Chicago Bears felt differently. They saw his length and power as excellent building blocks. If he could improve his first step, there was no doubt Dexter could become a force. Finishing with five sacks in his second season is nothing to sneeze at. Remember, he only had 4.5 total in college. Now he gets the added bonus of having Grady Jarrett as a mentor. This could become his best season yet.