Bears 2024 training camp preview: Defensive Tackles

The Chicago Bears have long been hailed as a defensive franchise, one that always seems to stifle opposing offenses. In recent years, however, that defense has been among the worst in the league. A lot of that has to do with the play in the trenches, with too few defensive linemen able to get after the quarterback.

That appears to be changing. After a resurgent second half to the 2023 season, Chicago’s defensive line, and it’s defensive tackles in particular, look primed for a big step forward in 2024.

Let’s preview this position group before training camp begins on Saturday.

Andrew Billings

After bouncing around the league for a couple years on one-year contracts, Billings played his way into a 2-year extension with Chicago this past season. He was a dominant run stuffer in the middle and played a vital role in the Bears’ defense, allowing just 86.4 rushing yards per game, the best in the league.

Gervon Dexter Sr.

The second-round rookie had a slow start in 2023, but over his final five games he was arguably the best rookie defensive tackle in the NFL. He still has a long way to go before being considered a difference-maker, but things are trending upward for the former Florida Gator.

Michael Dwumfour

After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Dwumfour has bounced all around the league, mainly as a practice squad player. That will probably be his role here in Chicago.

Jamree Kromah

The undrafted rookie from James Madison had a nice Pro Day before the draft, running the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds and posting a 10-foot broad jump. He’s a bit undersized but fairly athletic and can make a play for the back end of the 53-man roster.

Dashaun Mallory

Another undrafted rookie, Mallory, is a hometown kid, having grown up in Bolingbrook. He played three years at Michigan State before transferring to Arizona State, where he racked up a career high 48 tackles and 2 sacks. Like Kromah, he could push for a spot on the back of the 53-man roster but will likely end up on the practice squad.

Zacch Pickens

Now entering his second year, Pickens will have a lot to prove. He was a third-round selection last year but rarely saw the field, registering nine tackles and half of a sack. There’s still a lot of potential to his game but he needs to show out in training camp.

Keith Randolph Jr.

Another hometown kid, this time from Belleville. Randolph was widely expected to be a Day 3 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft but somehow went undrafted. While he’s not necessarily elite at any aspect, he does everything well. He was also a team captain at Illinois, showing the kind of leadership and strength of character that head coach Matt Eberflus has wanted in his defensive players.