BREAKING NEWS: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton aims to enhance his draft prospects by showcasing impressive athleticism during the combine.

Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton aims to enhance his draft prospects by showcasing impressive athleticism during the combine.

The Bears appear to have significant plans for free agency concerning the defensive tackle position, or they might possess insights into rookie Gervon Dexter’s performance from last season that aren’t widely known. Despite Coach Matt Eberflus’s previous emphasis on the 3-technique position, which is integral to their defensive scheme, there hasn’t been much discussion about their need for defensive tackles.

Traditionally, the 3-technique spot, played off the guard’s outside shoulder on the weak side of the formation, is crucial for generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Eberflus has likened this position to an “attack dog” within the defensive front, reminiscent of the dominant players like Tommie Harris and Henry Melton from the Lovie Smith era.

During the combine, Eberflus mentioned pass rusher as a priority, emphasizing the need for a strong presence opposite Montez Sweat. This contrasts with their previous approach of relying on interior players for pass rush, which didn’t yield the desired results.

Justin Jones, operating as the 3-technique, showed improvement last season in terms of pressuring quarterbacks, but his overall performance was still considered mediocre by some metrics. Gervon Dexter displayed promise in the latter half of the season but wasn’t consistently impactful.

With Jones becoming a free agent, the Bears could be in need of a defensive tackle. Surprisingly, there hasn’t been much speculation about them addressing this in the draft. Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, a highly regarded prospect with a knack for playmaking, could be a suitable candidate, especially given his familiarity with Illinois football.

Newton, who transitioned from a high school running back to a standout defensive tackle, possesses impressive athleticism, which he aims to showcase in workouts. Despite a slight decline in his draft stock due to a foot injury, comparisons to players like Geno Atkins highlight his potential impact.

Growing up in Clearwater, Florida, Newton had the opportunity to observe Warren Sapp, a legendary 3-technique player, which further informs his understanding of the position’s significance. Now, with the Bears seeking to fortify their defensive line, Newton could potentially fill a crucial role in Eberflus’s defensive system, reminiscent of the Tony Dungy era in Tampa Bay.