The defensive line was a question for the Chicago Bears going into training camp. Now, they are down one after the Bears traded Gervon Dexter to the Atlanta Falcons for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a draft pick.
It is no secret how Chicago struggled against the run last season. Dexter was a part of that as his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade in the run game was 44, among the worst in the NFL last season. However, he was in the top 20 last season in pressures and had a decent overall PFF grade.
On the other hand, Chicago’s sixth-round rookie defensive lineman, Jordan van den Berg, has excelled throughout training camp and has the potential to be a solid run stopper in the NFL. Overall, general manager Ryan Poles feels confidence in the group
the Bears have right now on the defensive line.
"I have a ton of confidence in those guys. I think they did a good job this preseason,” Poles said. "I still think it’s a unit that’s going to have to work together. Whether it’s our blitz packages or the twists in games that we play. Those guys bring it. They have really good motors and they have the skill set to get into the backfield and get some pressure on the quarterback. And again, the defense is going to have to play as one unit and I think that’s important."
Even though Poles said he is confident in this group, it would not be surprising if Chicago were to pick up a defensive lineman either before the season starts or at some point during the season. Poles has made it clear at other times that the Bears are always evaluating their options and if they feel during the season that the defensive line needs improvement, they will bring someone in.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ryan Poles updates Bears defensive line after Gervon Dexter trade
