Rod Marinelli Explains Why Dexter And Pickens Are Excellent Picks

When evaluating the 2023 Chicago Bears draft class, the widespread belief among most fans and experts is the best work came on days one and three. GM Ryan Poles secured a ready-made right tackle in Darnell Wright. Then two days later, he added four high-valued prospects in Roschon Johnson, Tyler Scott, Noah Sewell, and Terell Smith. The only draft section that came under some scrutiny was on day two, where the Bears took two defensive tackles in Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens. Both were projected to go later than their respective spots, classifying them as reaches. However, with his many years of expertise, former defensive line coach Rod Marinelli would be quick to say that isn't the case.

Few people know more about the Bears' defensive scheme than him. He coached it for several years in Tampa Bay, Chicago, Dallas, and Las Vegas. When it comes to defensive tackles, Marinelli understands what it requires. What could it be that Dexter and Pickens showed that would've been so desirable by the Bears? The answer was a simple one. He explained on Parkins & Spiegel for 670 The Score two weeks ago that one specific drill helps determine the best fit for defensive tackle in the Tampa-2 scheme.

The broad jump.

Rod Marinelli is backed up by recent data.

Some of the best interior pass rushers of the past decade include Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Gerald McCoy, and Grady Jarrett. All of them had excellent broad jump numbers at the scouting combine. Pickens' 116-inch jump was the same as Donald's and better than Cox, McCoy, and Jarrett. If that weren't impressive enough, Dexter jumped 110 inches. That is better than Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Chris Jones. This doesn't guarantee either of them will be superstars, but it shows they have the vital hip explosion necessary to become one in this defense.

It is another sign this Bears regime knows exactly what they're looking for. Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have shown excellent communication on what is required to make their schemes go. Eberflus would know what to look for in defensive tackles. Poles took that information, did the research, and quickly realized Dexter and Pickens were perfect fits. If they take to the intense coaching that is coming, Rod Marinelli has no doubt they will excel for this organization in the near future.