Justin Jones Reveals Which Bears Rookie Has Stolen The Show At Camp
Justin Jones has been in the NFL for six years now. He’s played with a lot of good players in that time. It has helped him develop an eye for what they look like, even as rookies. His NFL draft classmate Derwin James was one such example. It was also true of Asante Samuel Jr. Some guys are built to play at this level. They have the athleticism, intelligence, and instincts to handle every challenge the league puts forward. So he probably had some opinions about his newest teammates coming out of the 2023 draft.
Much of the hype lately centers on cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. Both have traded reps with the 1st-team defense over the past week. However, they weren’t the name that Jones dropped as the one who stood out the most.
This isn’t the first time Gervon Dexter came up in conversations among teammates. He’s stood out to everybody with his power, motor, and intelligence. Even the mild-mannered Cody Whitehair expressed admiration for what the 2nd round pick has shown over the past week.
“The biggest thing that impresses me for a young guy is how he uses his hands and uses the offensive linemen’s weight and leverage against them. As a young guy, that’s pretty impressive. Usually, it takes two to three years to get to that point for guys to really figure out how to push-pull guys and kind of shed blocks. But he’s gotten really good with his hands and knowing how to use his leverage.”
Justin Jones can already see the future.
Guys like Dexter don’t grow on trees. Somebody that big, that athletic, and that powerful are rare. The only reason he wasn’t a 1st round pick was because the Florida standout didn’t put up inspiring numbers. Most saw him as a good run defender with questionable upside as a pass rusher. The Bears felt there was untapped potential. He already has the strength and hand technique of an NFL veteran. The one thing missing was a more explosive get-off. Coaches have already begun working towards that goal, changing his stance before the snap and elongating his stride.
Justin Jones and everybody else can see the progress. Nobody expects Dexter to be a dominating presence right away. That is rare for a rookie defensive tackle. Still, if he plays at the level he’s been at since camp started, the defensive line will benefit from his presence. His run defense alone will make life easier for Jones and the pass rushers, creating more 3rd and long opportunities. It is great to hear how much progress he’s making. If he can become what the Bears envision, this defense becomes way more formidable.