Bear Goggles On
Fansided

2016 Breakout Player: Eddie Goldman

By Bill Zimmerman

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a good rookie season, Eddie Goldman is set to build upon that campaign and have a big-time season in 2016.

After their selection of Kevin White in round one of the 2015 draft, it was obvious that the Chicago Bears would draft an edge pass rusher in the second round. They were switching to a 3-4 and the only potential pass rushers they had were Lamarr Houston coming off an ACL injury and Pernell McPhee, an unproven rotational player they signed from the Baltimore Ravens. So when the Bears came up with the 39th pick they selected… Florida State nose tackle Eddie Goldman.

More from Bear Goggles On

The pick wasn’t a complete surprise, the Bears didn’t have a true nose tackle for the 3-4, but they did have Jeremiah Ratliff, who had played NT for the Dallas Cowboys previously and played at a Pro Bowl level. The need for an edge rusher seemed far greater than the need for a nose tackle.

One year later, Goldman proved why Ryan Pace is making these decisions, and not those of us who write about the team. Goldman had a very solid rookie campaign, proving himself as a valuable hole stuffer in the run game and the ability to provide an interior pass rush in the passing game.

Goldman’s biggest problem was fatigue. He really struggled to stay on the field and constantly needed rest. Goldman played in just under 50% of the team’s defensive snaps last season. When the rookie was on the field, he was making an impact, but he just wasn’t able to play enough downs.

The Bears sat down with Goldman heading into the offseason and told him exactly what needed to be done for him to take his game to the next level. Goldman needed to be more physically fit. He knew it, and the Bears knew it.

Goldman responded. He lost 15 pounds in the offseason, while adding some muscle. The new, trimmer Goldman has been noticeably quicker off the ball, and hasn’t lost any strength. Chicago’s front office, coaching staff, and players have all commented on Goldman’s new look and ability.

Not only has Goldman improved, the talent around him is vastly better. With Akiem Hicks, Jonathan Bullard, Danny Trevathan, and Jerrell Freeman around him, offenses certainly won’t be focused on Goldman. He will simply be just one piece to the Bears defensive puzzle. Offenses won’t be able to just focus on him, they will have to game plan against the entire defensive unit.

Goldman is ready. He is ready to take his game to a new level. Goldman and the entire front seven is why the Bears defense is going to make major strides this year and become an elite unit. Goldman has already proven that he was worthy of a second round selection and now he’s out to prove he’s a second round steal. Eddie Goldman is headed to the Pro Bowl in 2016 (technically 2017), you heard it here first.

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.

Home/Chicago Bears News