As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are facing one of the most critical points in their rebuilding process. With a slew of key draft picks at their disposal, the franchise has the opportunity to transform into a true contender for the future. And while many of the decisions about who the Bears should target will come down to a mix of scouting evaluations, positional needs, and potential fit, one thing is certain: Gervon Dexter, the promising young defensive lineman who was drafted by the Bears in 2023, already has a strong opinion on who the team should pick.
In a recent interview, Dexter shared his thoughts on the direction the Bears should take and the type of player who would best complement the team’s evolving defense. According to Dexter, the Bears need to focus on adding players who bring leadership, energy, and a true competitive edge to a defense that is already making strides but still has room for growth. But who exactly does Dexter have in mind? Well, if you’re a Bears fan, you’ll be pleased to know that it aligns with the team’s need for a versatile, game-changing player who can help elevate their defensive front.
### Gervon Dexter’s Vision for the Bears’ Future
Before we dive into the specifics of who Dexter is advocating for, it’s important to understand the mindset of the young defensive lineman himself. Coming out of the University of Florida in 2023, Dexter was seen as a highly promising prospect—a powerful, disruptive force who could anchor the Bears’ defensive line for years to come. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness made him an ideal fit for Chicago’s defense, which needed to shore up its front seven after years of inconsistency.
Since joining the Bears, Dexter has earned respect from teammates and coaches alike for his work ethic, maturity, and commitment to developing his game. His versatility allows him to play both defensive tackle positions in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, making him a key cog in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme. But as a player who’s still honing his craft, Dexter is also acutely aware that the defense as a whole is a work in progress. And while he’s eager to take on more responsibility, he recognizes that the Bears need to add the right pieces around him to truly contend in the NFC North and beyond.
“I’m excited about where we’re going, but we need to keep building. We need guys who are going to come in and make an impact right away,” Dexter said when asked about the team’s draft prospects. “We’ve got a solid foundation, but we need those guys who can come in and elevate the whole unit, someone who brings energy and has that mentality we can all rally behind.”
So, who does Dexter believe fits this mold? Well, there’s a clear answer—one that has been discussed by Bears fans and analysts for some time.
### The Player Dexter Wants the Bears to Draft: A Dynamic Pass Rusher
When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, Gervon Dexter’s top choice is none other than a dynamic pass rusher who can disrupt the pocket and force quarterbacks into making mistakes. While the Bears have made some improvements along the defensive line since Dexter’s arrival, they still lack a consistent edge rusher who can consistently challenge opposing quarterbacks.
In Dexter’s mind, the ideal player for the Bears’ defense is someone who can partner with him to create a one-two punch of pressure from both the interior and the edge. He’s specifically looking for someone who can match his intensity, someone who will make opposing quarterbacks think twice about standing in the pocket.
“I want a guy who can come off the edge and just cause havoc,” Dexter explained. “We need that guy who can get after the quarterback on every snap, someone who makes offenses game-plan around them. If we can get someone who brings that, it’s going to make everyone better, from the linebackers to the secondary. It’s all about that pressure.”
The Bears have been in search of a premier pass rusher for several years. Despite adding players like Yannick Ngakoue in free agency and drafting talented pieces, the team has still struggled to produce consistent pressure on the quarterback. Pairing a disruptive edge rusher with Dexter’s interior presence would give the Bears one of the more formidable defensive lines in the NFC, something that could be crucial for competing with the league’s elite offenses in the coming years.
So, who might fit this description?
### The Candidates: Who Could Be the Bears’ Target in 2025?
While it’s still early in the draft process and a lot can change between now and April 2025, there are a few standout players who seem to align with Dexter’s vision for the Bears’ future.
1. **Javontae Jackson (Edge, Georgia)**
One of the most highly touted edge rushers in the 2025 draft class is Javontae Jackson, a physical specimen who has been turning heads for his combination of size, speed, and burst off the line of scrimmage. Jackson has the ability to bend around the edge and flatten to the quarterback, making him a potential game-changer for a defense in need of a dynamic pass rusher. His strength at the point of attack also gives him the versatility to set the edge against the run, an asset that could make him an immediate starter for the Bears.
2. **Eli Manning (Edge, Alabama)**
Not to be confused with the former NFL quarterback, Eli Manning from Alabama is a rising star in college football. Known for his relentless motor and high football IQ, Manning could be an ideal complement to Dexter’s disruptive interior presence. His ability to turn speed into power and attack the quarterback from multiple angles makes him a perfect candidate to fill the Bears’ need for an explosive pass rusher.
3. **Zachary Porter (Edge, Michigan State)**
Another player who fits the bill is Zachary Porter, an edge rusher who’s known for his ability to consistently get after the quarterback. Porter’s relentless pursuit and explosive first step have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top edge rushers. If he’s available when the Bears are on the clock in 2025, he could be the ideal fit to pair with Dexter and transform Chicago’s defense.
### Why Dexter’s Choice Makes Sense
It’s clear that Gervon Dexter’s ideal draft pick aligns with the Bears’ needs. A dynamic, disruptive edge rusher could elevate their defense to another level, making the entire unit more effective. The addition of such a player would allow Dexter and his fellow defensive linemen to focus more on pressuring quarterbacks from the interior, while also benefiting from the chaos created on the edge.
Moreover, the Bears have invested heavily in the quarterback position with the drafting of Justin Fields in 2021 and the development of him as their future leader. To ensure that Fields has the support he needs to succeed, a top-tier defense is a must. By adding a pass rusher, the Bears can create a team that’s built to control both sides of the ball.
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, it’s clear that the Bears have a lot of work ahead of them. But with Gervon Dexter leading the charge on the defensive front, the future looks bright. And with his strong preference for a game-changing pass rusher, Dexter is laying the groundwork for what could be one of the most exciting defenses in the league.