Ranking the Bears roster: 10-6

8. Eddie Goldman

Goldman can be the plug in the middle that completes that feared front. He missed 10 games last season but is only entering year three in the NFL. His injury report is not quite as long and drawn out as Pernell McPhee, and the hope that youth is on his side and can get him through the past year with a big step forward in 2017.

Goldman has the upside to be an impact player, and at nose tackle, where it is tough to stand out, he does so when he is on the field. If the Bears can get a full season out of Goldman, their defensive line could be a team strength in 2017. It would also put them at ease about the direction of the line and the front, making Goldman a building block in the middle. Goldman needs to have a big year in 2017 for the Bears to be relevant.