(WBBM NEWSRADIO/670 THE SCORE) – The Chicago Bears emphasized defense Friday night in the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft.
With the 53rd pick overall in the second round, Chicago selected Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.
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.
The versatile 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.
Also Friday, Chicago jumped ahead to the No. 56 pick to grab Miami-Florida cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
The 6-foot, 198-pound Stevenson had two interceptions and seven pass breakups as a starter in the Hurricanes' secondary last season.
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.
Then the Bears selected South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens with the No. 64 overall pick, the first of the 3rd Round.
The 6-foot-4, 291-pound Pickens started 32 games across four seasons for the Gamecocks, recording 131 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. Pickens had 2.5 sacks in 12 games for South Carolina in 2022.
Contributing: Audacy Sports, 670 The Score, Chris Emma
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