Latest news with #GervonDexter
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears newcomer Grady Jarrett excited to work alongside Gervon Dexter
The Chicago Bears made some impactful moves this offseason, including the signing of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Not only does Jarrett bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, but he'll serve as a leader in the defensive line room, including for someone like third-year pro Gervon Dexter. Dexter impressed during his first full season starting last year, most notably with Andrew Billings with him along the interior. He set career highs across the board in total tackles (51), tackles for loss (4), sacks (5.0), QB hits (19) and fumble recoveries (2). Advertisement For Jarrett, he thinks the sky's the limit for Dexter, who he noted is showing growth both in his play and as a leader. Dexter even organized a workout for Bears defensive linemen, where he invited Jarrett to Miami before the offseason workouts kicked into gear. 'I think he has a really high ceiling," Jarrett said. "Run game, being effective in the pass rush and growing as a leader too. When I first signed with the team, you saw us down in Miami working out together, (Gervon) put that together, he invited me. I thought that was a big gesture for him to invite me to hang out with them, spend some time working on our craft. I was able to meet him and Montez (Sweat) before I came in the building. I think that's been good for our relationship even before we got in the building, and that just showed his willingness to try to take that next step." Jarrett is impressed with how Dexter has approached the offseason as he looks to improve in Year 3, and the veteran defensive tackle is excited to play alongside the young, rising star. "You can see him and you can see the work he is putting in the weight room away from the facility," Jarrett said. "He was here early. He spends extra time with coach, I think year three is such a critical time where you could take that big leap. You play some football, you can get more comfortable and now you can know how to apply things and really take that big step. I'm excited to see what happens for him. I think our styles complement each other very well and I can't wait to continue to go hunt with the guy.' Advertisement With new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen leading the charge, expect an aggressive style of defense where the hope is Jarrett and Dexter will be wreaking havoc along the interior. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears newcomer Grady Jarrett excited to work alongside Gervon Dexter
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Johnson envisions a big season for Bears DT Gervon Dexter
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter could be in line for a big season in 2025. While Dexter has shown glimpses of his potenital, he hasn't had a breakout year just yet. But that could all change this year. This offseason, the Bears aded multiple veterans to reinforce the defensive line alongside Dexter, including signings defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, as well as drafting defensive tackle Shemar Turner. Advertisement Last season, Dexter got off to a fast start but his production declined when veteran defensive tackle Andrew Billings was lost for the season to a torn pec. Now, Dexter is positioned to have a productive season surrounded by key veterans. This week at minicamp, head coach Ben Johnson discussed Dexter's role this season and how he feels the entire defensive line can rise up as an entire unit. "It's hard to compare because I've only been with him now for, what, seven weeks, eight weeks?" Johnson said. "But, I can tell you this, just from afar, having called plays against him, he was a guy that really came on last year. You could feel it. With Billings being out last year, you could feel him grow into just a little bit more of, 'Hey, I need to step up here,' and you could see it. You can see it on the tape. There was growth. There was more production, particularly in the pass-rush game. "I think what we've seen here from the D-line room, as a whole, we've seen a lot of guys that are pushing, they're growing. I like to spend a lot of time down there during individual because it's not just great work, technique work they're getting, but they're coaching each other up along the way. as well. We have a great, cohesive unit. Then, when we get the pads on, it's going to be a really healthy competition, as well." On top of the player additions made to the roster, the Bears brought in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett to help maximize the roster. With the players in place, there's no reason we shouldn't see better production from the defensive line in 2025. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson envisions a big season for DT Gervon Dexter
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gervon Dexter dubbed Bears' most underrated player in 2025
The Chicago Bears have some big names on their roster, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, receiver DJ Moore, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat. But there are some talented players who've flown under the radar, including defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. Dexter, a second-round pick in 2023, was a pleasant surprise on defense in his first full season starting last year. He set career highs across the board in total tackles (51), tackles for loss (4), sacks (5.0), QB hits (19) and fumble recoveries (2). Unfortunately, Dexter's production took a hit after the loss of Andrew Billings. But he's still established himself as a key player along the defensive interior. Gennaro Filice dubbed Dexter the most underrated player on the Bears roster. 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. Dexter has shown plenty of promise, and he stands to learn from a pair of veterans in Billings and free-agent addition Grady Jarrett, who should help elevate his game. The Bears defense is undergoing some changes with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who's looking to employ and aggressive style of defense, and having a disruptive interior pass rusher like Dexter will do wonders for this unit. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Gervon Dexter dubbed Bears' most underrated player in 2025
New York Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Defining short- and long-term expectations for the Bears' top 4 draft picks
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Earlier this month, nickelback Kyler Gordon became the first Chicago Bears NFL Draft pick made by general manager Ryan Poles to receive an extension from the team. 'Impact player for us,' Poles said. 'Ability to make plays all over the field in different phases. He's a guy that I believe is ascending and will continue to grow when he gets into this new defense. I think his game can go to the next level as well.' Advertisement Without a first-round pick in the 2023 draft — thank you, Ryan Pace — Gordon became the Bears' first pick of the Poles era, coming in the second round at No. 39. The second round has been good for Poles. He has found starters in Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. And this brings us to this year. With receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner drafted this year, the Bears could have seven second-rounders playing key roles this season. Dexter and Stevenson are entering pivotal third seasons for different reasons, and Brisker must prove he can stay healthy. But if Poles drafted three more 'impact players' in Burden, Trapilo and Turner, that could become the story of this draft class, regardless of how good tight end Colston Loveland becomes in Ben Johnson's offense. Here is my annual look at the short- and long-term expectations for the Bears' 2025 draft class, starting with their top four picks. Part 2 will come later this week. Round 1, No. 10 pick Where he fits in 2025: With so many people, including the Bears, comparing Loveland to Sam LaPorta, let's look at the tight end's rookie season in Detroit. In 17 games, LaPorta made 86 catches on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. He earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. That's a lot to expect from Loveland in his first season. The Bears also have Cole Kmet. Chicago will feature two tight ends, but the Detroit Lions' second option with LaPorta was Brock Wright. Kmet is better than Wright. Also, Loveland is slowed for the moment after undergoing surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder in January. He won't be a full participant in anything until training camp. Advertisement 'It's the mental reps,' Loveland said. 'They're huge.' But LaPorta's transition to the NFL wasn't nearly as rocky as other tight ends coming into the league. Part of that was the vision Johnson had for him. It also helps that Johnson is a former tight ends coach. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle also previously coached the position. Loveland should benefit from all of it. He also played in Jim Harbaugh's offense at Michigan, which featured multiple tight end groupings. 'Playing there helped a ton,' Loveland said. 'It's a pro-style offense. Always two tight ends on the field. A lot of the terminology and everything kind of flows right into it. We use the same stuff. So, it has helped me, for sure. We've got a long way to go, though.' Where he fits in the long term: No reason to temper anything here. When you draft a tight end with the 10th pick, you expect him to be one of the best at his position during his career. Until games are played, it remains fair to question the strategy of taking a tight end this early in the draft. History doesn't exactly favor the Bears. But the situation Loveland is joining is important. He's not joining a team with an abundance of holes. He's joining an offense that has a vision for him. The Bears drafted him to be a mismatch nightmare for quarterback Caleb Williams to exploit. The situation always matters. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick in the 2021 draft. With Matt Ryan at quarterback, Pitts made 68 catches for 1,026 yards as a rookie. But he hasn't come close to those numbers since. Why? Ryan left for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. Pitts' quarterbacks after Ryan have been Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Kirk Cousins and now Michael Penix Jr. Pitts could form a connection with Penix in their second year together, but Raheem Morris is still Pitts' second head coach, while Zac Robinson is his second play caller and offensive coordinator. Advertisement Round 2, No. 39 pick Where he fits in 2025: The ball will be in Burden's hands this season. The question is how much, since the Bears also have receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, plus Loveland and Kmet at tight end. As Doyle said, the Bears see Burden as an 'explosive athlete' and a playmaker. But patience could be required at first. 'I think it's the same way you guide any of these guys that are new rookies,' Doyle said. 'He's got to learn the system first, and he's got to learn kind of our way of doing things. But like any of these guys, it takes all of us to help each and every one of them. That's really going to be the biggest thing.' Burden can also get the ball on special teams. He could claim the punt returner job in the preseason. 'He's going to have a chance just like everyone else, but you see it on offense and saw it in college, how electric he is when the ball is in his hands,' special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said. 'Like, he's a different dude with the ball in his hand. So all we're looking for is playmakers that will help us change field position and win games. So, that's what I see in him, along with our other returners that we acquired this offseason as well.' Where he fits in the long term: Amon-Ra St. Brown became a star in Johnson's offense. He was another mismatch problem, especially in the slot. That's where Burden excelled in college. Johnson described the slot position as 'a focal point' of his passing game. So this appears similar to Loveland's situation. Burden should benefit from everything as his days add up at Halas Hall. Johnson clearly has a vision for him. He'll also be coached by receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, who previously coached St. Brown in Detroit. 'I feel like it's going to bring the best out of me,' Burden said. 'I've seen (Randle El's) past history. He's a guy who's been in my shoes, so he knows what to expect and different ways to handle me, so I'm grateful to have a great coach like him.' Advertisement The Bears are also grateful that Burden was available at No. 39. Did they have their eyes on running back TreVeyon Henderson, who went one pick earlier to the New England Patriots? Sure, they did. But it's also possible they've found their version of St. Brown. 'I was very excited when he slid to us,' Johnson said. That slide could also become what drives Burden throughout his career. He has said as much more than once since his selection. 'I see myself fitting in just fine,' Burden said. 'Wherever I go, whatever I do, I'm going to find a way.' Some @lutherburden3 for your timeline — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 11, 2025 Round 2, No. 56 pick Where he fits in 2025: The early answer is that he's here to challenge left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright for a starting role. It's a competition that needs to play out with the pads on in training camp and the preseason. 'My goal here is to play football and get on the field as soon as I can,' Trapilo said. 'So I'm going to do whatever I can to get that done. But at the same time, I know I have a lot to work on as a player. I'm a rookie; I'm not going to show up and be the best. My goal is to become the best player I can, but I know I'm not going to just do it without work.' Plenty seemingly depends on Jones' health. He missed the final two games of last season after requiring ankle surgery. If Jones regains his form during camp, he might hold off Trapilo and a position change for Wright. It would allow the Bears to take a gradual approach to Trapilo's development, which could be beneficial. But if Jones struggles in camp and his ankle requires more time, the door seems open for Trapilo. Jones is expected to be limited when camp begins in July. Where he fits in the long term: If Jones had finished last season healthy, it's fair to wonder whether we'd be talking about another Poles draft pick getting a contract extension. Instead, the injury made his situation murky at best. And then, the Bears drafted Jones' potential replacement in the second round. Advertisement Trapilo said that when Boston College moved him from the left to the right side, it was because new offensive line coach Matt Applebaum had a vision for him and right guard Christian Mahogany (a sixth-round pick by the Lions last year). 'In a way, (Applebaum) was saying that me and Christian next to each other could be really beneficial for the offense,' Trapilo said. 'There was a lot more that went into it, but that was sort of the basis. We looked at both sides. He said, 'What do you think?' I said, 'Obviously, wherever you want me.' So he threw it out there, we did a couple of spring practices with it, and they ended up liking it.' Trapilo said he still worked at left tackle during his final two seasons at Boston College, though he became entrenched on the right side. He wanted to be ready if an injury changed the team's plans up front. 'You have to be versatile,' Trapilo said. 'That's the quickest way to get on the field. So after practice, even though I was a right tackle the last two years in college, (it's) working left, making sure that it's still smooth, that it still feels good. Especially after the season, I was working even more left than right just because (I was) catching up for lost time.' Round 2, No. 62 pick Where he fits in 2025: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Turner will begin playing at defensive tackle, where he'll learn the three-technique and nose positions. That means his immediate competition for snaps will be Andrew Billings, Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter. The Bears will evaluate Turner's flexibility later. But he did handle different roles at Texas A&M, including defensive end. 'I think (Turner) enjoys being in the building,' Allen said. 'I think he really loves football, and that's something that we look for in guys that we want to bring into the building because you have to love football to do all the things that are going to be necessary to have success in our league. I think he's got a good personality, and then when he's on the field, he's about business. So that's good to see.' Advertisement Dexter appears to have the most to lose with the Bears' decisions to add Jarrett first in free agency and Turner in the draft. Johnson highlighted Billings' importance and impact as the Bears' nose tackle during his introductory news conference. The praise for Dexter from the new coaching staff has been more tempered. Before the draft, defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett was asked where Dexter fits. 'We don't have a depth chart, per se,' he said. 'We're excited about all the guys. Every single one brings something to the table that's unique. We've got some work to do, as all teams do. I'm really excited about the group as a whole.' That group now includes Turner. Where he fits in the long term: Allen was the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator when the team selected defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with the 12th pick in 2016. After breaking his leg as a rookie, Rankins became a full-time starter in his second season, but he played only five seasons in New Orleans. He has played with the New York Jets, Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals since. The Saints also drafted defensive tackle David Onyemata in the fourth round in 2016. He spent seven years with New Orleans, becoming a full-time starter in his fourth season. The bar for Turner should be set higher than Onyemata's, but the Bears will also want more than the Saints got from Rankins. That's why Turner's relationship with Jarrett will be interesting to track. He has expressed his admiration for the veteran multiple times. They connected over Instagram messages. Jarrett was a fifth-round pick who became a key cog for the Falcons for 10 seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020. Turner and Jarrett are similar players: physically, skill-set-wise and in temperament. 'He's athletic,' Allen said of Turner. 'I think that was the first thing that we saw. You see explosion and power with this player.' (Photo of Colston Loveland, left, and Ben Johnson: David Banks / Imagn Images)
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What does history say about who the Chicago Bears target in the draft?
What does history say about who the Chicago Bears target in the draft? Which school gets the most attention from the Chicago Bears and which position is selected the most since 2000? The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded so next up on the calendar will be pro day workouts and team visits as the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay approaches. The initial analysis points to the Chicago Bears going the route of the offensive line according to almost every mock draft out there. There is a plethora of talent available for GM Ryan Poles to select with the team's third top-10 pick over the last two seasons. In 2024, it was used to find the next franchise quarterback and a new weapon. While there is plenty of time to focus on who the Bears will choose, our focus is looking back at the history of the Bears in the NFL draft since 2000. Which school and which position has garnered the most attention since the turn of the century? Chicago Bears draft history by college since 2000 Given the number of SEC players that are produced annually with NFL aspirations, it shouldn't be much of a shock to see one of those schools at the top for one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. The Florida Gators sit at the top of the list with their bitter rivals the Georgia Bulldogs right on their heels. You won't have to look far back to see the last time the Bears drafted a player from Florida, it was in 2023. That year, Chicago selected Gervon Dexter as the No. 53 overall selection in the second round. Before Dexter, you have to journey back to 2016 to find the next Gator. Jonathan Bullard was drafted No. 72 in the third round that year. Breakdown by School: Florida Gators (10) Georgia Bulldogs (6) Miami Hurricanes (6) Ohio State Buckeyes (5) Oklahoma Sooners (5) Kansas State Wildcats (4) Michigan State Spartans (4) Oregon Ducks (4) Oregon State Beavers (4) Penn State Nittany Lions (4) Pittsburgh Panthers (4) Texas Longhorns (4) Chicago Bears draft history by position since 2000 Since the turn of the century, the Bears have addressed the defensive backfield most with 44 total selections. The last defensive back drafted was in 2023 when Tyrique Stevenson of Miami (Fl) received the call. He was joined by Terell Smith of Minnesota on day 3 of the draft that year. The next closest position to the DBs in terms of selections is the offensive line, the defensive line, and wide receivers. The Bears used a top 10 selection in last year's draft to address the wide receiver position and give Caleb Williams a top target with Rome Odunze of Washington. Odunze rewarded the team hauling in 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns. That number should only explode in 2025 provided the Bears offensive line rebuild works to fruition. In 2023, the Bears used a top 10 selection on Darnell Wright out of Tennessee to help bolster the offensive line. Top Positional Breakdown: Defensive Back (44) Offensive Line (32) Defensive Line (30) Wide Receiver (27) Linebacker (20) Running Back (16) Quarterback (9) Latest Chicago Bear mock draft selections USA TODAY Sports: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas Athletic: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama ESPN: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State Based on the four mock drafts we reviewed, it appears to be what is your flavor of ice cream when it comes to the offensive linemen available at No. 10 overall. The Bears have made waves addressing the line with the additions of Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney recently. More: Mock Draft Coverage 2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears focused on offensive line at No. 10 After Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season, status quo wasn't going to cut it in the Windy City. For more on Chicago, check out Bears Wire.
