7 Chicago Bears players with something to prove over the last 7 games

Gervon Dexter Sr.

Poles passed on drafting Jalen Carter, the best three-technique defensive tackle in the draft. Instead, he took Dexter Sr. in the second round and Zaach Pickens in the third.

Pickens might be more of a nose tackle or a depth piece at three-tech.

It is Dexter Sr. who has the traits to be a good three-technique. That position is considered the engine of head coach Matt Eberflus’ defense.

Dexter Sr. never played that position in college. Instead, he was asked to read the play and then react.

Now he is being asked to get upfield as quickly as possible and there has been an adjustment.

He is starting to see his snaps increase and he played well against the Panthers.

He needs to use these next seven games to prove he can generate a pass rush from the three-technique.

Jaylon Johnson

Johnson was hoping to get a contract extension from the Chicago Bears. Then he demanded a trade when talks broke down.

No team was willing to meet Poles’ asking price.

Johnson is one of the best cover corners in the game, but he lacks the takeaways that the top-paid corners get.

He had two interceptions, with one being a pick-six, against the Las Vegas Raiders. Otherwise, he is not taking the ball away.

Poles hopes to get a contract extension worked out before free agency starts. Johnson could produce some more takeaways to get a bigger deal.

Eddie Jackson

This might be Jackson’s last run in Chicago. The veteran safety has had trouble staying on the field the past two seasons.

A foot injury limited him to 12 games last season. Another foot injury has limited him to just five games.

He is set to have a $14.05 million cap hit next season and that might be too expensive for a team that values availability.

If he is cut in the offseason, the Chicago Bears can save almost $6 million in cap space.

Taking the ball away is another thing this organization values and Jackson has no takeaways this season.

Jackson needs to start getting some interceptions if he hopes to keep Poles committed to keeping him on the team.