Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.
We’re unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we’re breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
Continuing with defense, we’re examining the interior defensive line which saw some new additions including 10-year veteran Grady Jarrett and second-round rookie Shemar Turner to join a group led by Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. The interior defensive line will be key in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense, especially as Chicago looks to shore up their porous run defense from a season ago and bring interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Let’s take a look at the Bears’ defensive tackles heading into training camp:
Gervon Dexter Sr.
The Bears defense has plenty of established veterans already on the roster, but third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is certainly one to watch after an encouraging first year as a starter. Dexter’s ability to get after the quarterback from the interior is exactly what this defensive front needs to elevate their pass rush. Last season, Dexter thrived alongside nose tackle Andrew Billings, including 24 total tackles, four sacks and 12 QB hits. But when Billings was lost for the season to a torn pec, Dexter’s production declined (one sack in his final seven games). Now with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and another veteran in Grady Jarrett lending him a hand, Dexter’s stock is quickly rising heading into his third season.
Grady Jarrett
Shortly after Jarrett was released by the Falcons, the Bears wasted no time signing him to a three-year, $43.5 million deal to anchor the interior defensive line. Jarrett comes to Chicago with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will make him a vital mentor for young players, including Gervon Dexter Sr., as well as his proven track record as a run defender and interior pass rusher. Jarrett is expected to start along the interior, alongside Dexter, to anchor a defensive line that will be key to the defense’s success. While Jarrett had a down year in 2024, coming off a torn ACL, another year of rest and rehab on that knee should have the soon-to-be 32-year old veteran primed to contribute in a big way in 2025.
Andrew Billings
The Bears have a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen, who is looking to employ an aggressive, violent defense that certainly fits Andrew Billings’ style as he’s been an enforcer along the interior. Chicago bolstered their interior defensive line this offseason with veteran Grady Jarrett, who brings experience and leadership, as well as second-round rookie Shemar Turner, who serves to benefit from Jarrett and Billings. The Bears will likely employ a three-player rotation between Gervon Dexter, Jarrett and Billings at defensive tackle with Billings continuing to play a key role in Chicago’s run defense, which struggled in his absence last season. Allen could also look to kick Dexter outside on some downs, which would give the Bears an opportunity to feature a defensive front with Montez Sweat, Dexter, Jarrett and Billings to make life difficult on opposing offenses.
Shemar Turner
The Bears shored up their interior defensive line with the addition of Shemar Turner in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft. He brings a violent, aggressive style of play to the table. I’m four seasons at Texas A&M, Turner totaled 115 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Turner figures to factor into the rotation along the interior behind Dexter, Jarrett and Billings. Turner is a versatile defensive lineman who’s played both defensive tackle and defensive end, which raises questions about where Chicago could line him up. Turner said he’s willing to play wherever the Bears line him up, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said the plan is for Turner to play inside.
Zacch Pickens
While Gervon Dexter Sr. has come into his own since his rookie season, the same cannot be said about fellow draft mate Zacch Pickens. The former third-round pick has struggled to carve out a role for himself on defense. In his second season, Pickens appeared in just nine games (with three starts) due to a groin injury, and he was a healthy scratch in the final two games of the season. With a revamped defensive line, that includes the additions of Grady Jarrett and Shemar Turner, Pickens needs a strong training camp and preseason is he hopes to crack the 53-man roster.
Chris Williams
The Bears traded for Chris Williams just days before opening week last season, and he proved to be a reliable reserve option along the defensive interior. Williams appeared in all 17 games, including one start, where he totaled 23 tackles, including three tackles for loss, three sacks and seven QB hits. Williams stepped up in the absence of Andrew Billings, who was lost to a torn pec, and impressed Chicago enough to be re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. He joins a crowded defensive tackle group where he’ll be competing for a roster spot, where Zacch Pickens might be his biggest competition for a final roster spot.
Jonathan Ford
After Andrew Billings suffered a torn pec, the Bears had to scramble to find options at defensive tackle to help fill the void. Chicago signed Jonathan Ford off the Green Bay Packers practice squad in Week 15, and he made his NFL debut in that same week. Ford totaled nine tackles (three solo), including one tackle for loss, in four games. He signed his exclusive-rights free agent contract with the Bears in April and will be competing for one of the final roster spots along the defensive line.
Big question: Will Zacch Pickens even make the 53-man roster?
The Bears revamped their defensive line this offseason, including the interior with the signing of veteran Grady Jarrett and selection of rookie Shemar Turner to pair with returning veterans Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. While Dexter made an impact in his sophomore season — his first as a starter — his draft mate Zacch Pickens struggled to find a role on defense. He struggled through a groin injury earlier in the year, and by the end of the season, he was a healthy scratch as guys like Chris Williams and Jonathan Ford got opportunities. With the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Pickens will get an opportunity to prove his worth in a crowded defensive tackle group. But the former third-round pick is very much on the roster bubble heading into training camp, where there’s a good chance he’ll be out of a job and serve as Ryan Poles’ second failed third-round pick in less than three seasons.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp preview: Defensive tackles
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
