One of the main points of focus next season for the Chicago Bears— besides all of their shiny new toys on offense— will be the production from the defensive line.
Once the Bears traded for Montez Sweat, the increase in production was noticeable, donning the term "The Tez Effect". Per PFF, the Chicago Bears' defense forced 17 pressures in the two games following Sweat's arrival— which was more than all games prior, despite two.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected two defensive tackles— Gervon Dexter Sr. (pick No. 53) and Zacch Pickens (pick No. 64)— but neither were incredibly productive in their rookie season.
However, of the two, Dexter Sr. is seen to be the defensive tackle to take the biggest step from his rookie season to this second year. And he's set his goals sky-high for this upcoming year.
Chicago Bears' Gervon Dexter Sr. sets ambitious goals in looming breakout season
Similar to before Caleb Williams was drafted No. 1 overall, Gervon Dexter Sr. is going with the wallpaper method to continuously remind himself of the goals he's striving for this upcoming season.
Dexter has four specific personal goals set for the 2024 season that serve as a baseline for his standard.
— gabby hajduk (@GabbyHajduk) June 18, 2024
They’re listed out on his lock screen so he can visualize them every day. pic.twitter.com/VavqUKdLf2
The goals set by Dexter Sr. for next season are as follows:
• Eight-plus sacks
• 15-plus tackles for loss
• Pro Bowl nomination
• All-Pro nomination
Now, these are ambitious goals. But, considering how he closed out last season, there's a strong belief that this season will be Gervon Dexter Sr.'s breakout season for the Chicago Bears defense that desperately needs more production from the interior.
As of right now, the Bears have Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Zacch Pickens as the main three rotating on the interior, with Pickens being on the bottom of the totem pole. Keeping Billing was crucial, as his presence in the middle of the defensive line was notable last season, and with Dexter Sr. still perfecting his craft in the NFL, he acts as a great mentor for the soon-to-be 23-year-old defensive lineman.
With his goals in sight daily, the Gervon Dexter Sr. breakout season is only a matter of time. The opportunity is ahead of him, and with the work he's been putting in this offseason, he's proving to be ready to cement himself as a crucial player within this Chicago Bears defense for years to come.