When the Chicago Bears selected Gervon Dexter in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, their aim was to find a 3-technique of the future. Ryan Poles wanted that nasty, physical presence in the middle that can both help against the run and get after the quarterback.
Dexter's rookie season saw him make some impactful plays, and he certainly showed promise as the team's future starting 3-technique. But, Dexter didn't want to settle for "promise." He decided to put in the work over the offseason in order to completely transform his body.
Why the body transformation? It was a simple answer from Dexter:
“I’ve noticed that the good ones can do it one or two plays, but the ones that go down as great ones are consistent in being able to play one through four quarters,” he said.
So, Iron Man workouts it was ... and boy was the transformation noticeable. Dexter came to training camp looking like a different man altogether.
Gervon Dexter focused on Iron Man Workouts during the offseason and dieted with the goal of reducing body fat and adding lean mass. The result is visible and will assist his play at the 3-Tech for all four quarters. pic.twitter.com/B6XDtKIpD5
— Barroom Network - Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) July 23, 2024
For context, here's a look at Dexter as a rookie.
New #Bears DT Gervon Dexter pic.twitter.com/TdoQMYQ9UM
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) May 5, 2023
Gervon Dexter is ready to be a difference-maker for the Bears in 2024
After the Bears allowed Justin Jones to leave via free agency, all eyes were on Dexter as the next man up. So, what would he do to get ready?
“(Before) I was just like, ‘Man, one honey bun won’t hurt me. So yeah, I cut that out and now I feel a lot better," Dexter said, again via the Leader Telegram.
Teammates have noticed a remarkable difference in Dexter as well, with pass rusher Montez Sweat giving props just a few days ago after a practice:
"He did conditioning tests with the defensive ends yesterday ... he definitely made a transformation in his body, but I always expected big things out of Gervon," said Sweat.
If there is one guy that Dexter can help out this season, it's Sweat. The Bears didn't do much to add help on the other side, drafting Austin Booker in the fifth round and sticking it out with DeMarcus Walker, the current starter.
Chicago could use help in pressuring the quarterback, and Dexter's offseason will certainly assist him in that department. If the Bears can get significant pass rush prowess out of the interior, that's going to be the missing ingredient to the defense being a top-five unit this coming season.
The Bears finished last year as a top-10 unit in many categories and looked more and more like an elite defense later in the year. With Dexter's breakout, we could see another one of those fun and exciting defenses in Chicago, once again.