Is Eddie Goldman the Answer to Bears’ Embarrassing Defensive Woes?
Published by Gary Davenport on May 1, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Last year, the Chicago Bears were a hot mess defensively. The team ranked 30th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.
There are big changes underway in the Windy City on that side of the ball in 2015, and on Friday, the Bears used their second-round pick to make a similarly big addition to aid those changes.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported, the Bears selected Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman with the 39th overall pick:
The 6’4″ 336-pound mauler racked up 35 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble for the Seminoles in 2014, drawing comparisons to Randy Starks of the Miami Dolphins from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
“His power at the point of attack and ability to discard blockers and actually make plays rather than just eating space will have 3-4 teams very excited about their potential nose guard of the future.”
Goldman, who compared his game to current Bears tackle Jay Ratliff, told Patrick Finley of The Chicago Sun-Times he’s looking forward to getting down to business in the NFL.
“A great fit for me,” Goldman said. “That’s a perfect team for me and the way I like to play, so I’m happy with it.”
Goldman’s selection met with the approval of Bleacher Report NFL National Lead Writer Matt Bowen:
However, as ESPN’s Trey Wingo pointed out, when you’re endorsed for the Bears—by Dick Butkus—in Chicago—it ratchets up the pressure a notch or six:
And that pressure’s going to be both considerable and immediate.
As ESPN’s Chris Mortensen tweeted, Goldman’s selection continues a defensive overhaul that began with the hiring of head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio:
However, Fangio was missing one very big, very important piece if he was going to improve a Bears run defense that allowed nearly 113 yards per game in 2014.
A big-bodied defensive tackle capable of manning the 0-technique spot. In Goldman, that hole is now filled in a big way.
Granted, it hardly solves all Chicago’s problems. The team needs pass-rush help. Inside linebacker is a question. So is the secondary.
Still, in Goldman the Bears picked up a player who was a first-round pick in many mock drafts and will fill one of the team’s most glaring needs.
Besides, if Butkus likes it, how can you not?
Gary Davenport is an NFL analyst at Bleacher Report and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow Gary on Twitter at @IDPSharks.
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