LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — After the second day of the NFL Draft on Friday, the Bears’ defensive identity is taking shape.
The Bears used all three of their picks across the second and third rounds on defensive players, selecting Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. at No. 53 overall, Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson at No. 56 overall and South Carolina defensive lineman Zacch Pickens at No. 64 overall.
The Bears' draft board for each selection Friday happened to match “spot on” with the key positional needs that remained on the team's depth chart, general manager Ryan Poles said.
"We continue to get better, bigger, stronger, faster,” Poles said.
The Bears identified common traits in Dexter, Stevenson and Pickens, who were each highly regarded when arriving to their respective college programs but who are relatively raw as they enter the NFL. Poles and the Bears believe that represents upside that can be tapped into through development under the guidance of head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff.
“This is a game for big, fast, strong individuals,” Poles said. “Usually, the cream rises to the top.”
Last year, in Poles’ first draft in Chicago, the Bears selected a pair of starters in the second round in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker. A defense that struggled in 2022 was then upgraded with the signings of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, linebacker T.J. Edwards, defensive linemen DeMarcus Walker and defensive lineman Andrew Billings in free agency in March.
As the Bears continue a careful rebuild with the hope of sustained success, they understood it was imperative to keep adding young talent on defense. The Bears found an intriguing defensive lineman in the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Dexter, who was once a standout high school basketball player before shifting his focus to football. Dexter struggled to fulfill his potential at Florida, recording only 4.5 sacks for the Gators over the last two seasons.
Dexter believes he can emerge for the Bears as their three-technique, which Eberflus sees as the “engine” that drives his defense.
“I'm that guy who can get going and cause havoc and work the game,” Dexter said.
In selecting Stevenson, the Bears' hope is that they've added a key starter opposite of Jaylon Johnson and Gordon, who usually operates in the slot. Chicago traded up five slots to the No. 56 overall to land Stevenson, sending the top pick of the fifth round (No. 136 overall) to Jacksonville as part of the deal.
Stevenson had two interceptions and seven pass break-ups last season. He hopes to step in as a starter as a rookie.
"You're getting an all-out baller ready to make an impact from day one," Stevenson said.
The Bears then made the 6-foot-4, 291-pound Pickens the top selection in the third round, adding a second defensive lineman in less than an hour. Poles views Dexter and Pickens as “hybrid” players who can maneuver to different positions on the defensive line.
Pickens had 6.5 sacks over the last two seasons, but his greatest impact could come against the run. He’s eager to begin his work with the Bears.
"I'm ready to learn and grow,” Pickens said. “I still haven't reached my potential yet.
“I'm ready to learn from everybody in the organization."
Before Poles emerged from the Bears’ draft room at Halas Hall on Friday evening, he had already fielded phone calls for the Bears' pick at No. 103 overall – the first selection of the fourth round, which begins Saturday at 11 a.m.
Admittedly, Poles was exhausted late Friday night as this rigorous scouting and draft cycle nears its conclusion. He was eager to shut the phone off for a night of sleep before returning to the draft room Saturday morning and preparing for the decisions that lie ahead.
In his mind, the Bears improved their defense on the second day of the draft and see the opportunity to keep getting better.
“We want to take a big step there,” Poles said. “We’ve done that in free agency, and then we’ve done that in the draft too.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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