LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears selected Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. with the No. 53 overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday evening, then traded up five slots moments later to add Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson at No. 56 overall.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Dexter played 38 games across three seasons at Florida, recording 125 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. He had 55 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks in 13 games for the Gators in 2022.
Dexter was once a promising high school basketball prospect who converted to football after realizing his physicality was better utilized on the defensive line.
"I gave football a try, and it just came natural to me and I've just been going since," Dexter said.
Dexter addresses a need for the Bears at their three-technique defensive tackle position, one that Chicago failed to solidify in free agency this offseason.
The 6-foot, 198-pound Stevenson had two interceptions and seven pass breakups as a starter in the Hurricanes' secondary last season. He could step in as a starter at cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson in the Bears' defense.
"You're getting an all-out baller ready to make an impact from day one," Stevenson said.
The Bears originally held the No. 61 overall pick late in the second round but sent the Jaguars that slot and a fifth-round pick (No. 136 overall) to move up to No. 56 to get Stevenson. The Bears hold one more pick Friday at No. 64 overall, the first pick of the third round.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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