For the second year in a row, the Chicago Bears opted to draft a defensive tackle in the second round of the NFL Draft, snagging Eddie Goldman out of Florida State University.
Goldman, a true junior who had six sacks over the previous two seasons at the school, will be joining a crowded field as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio decides which players will line up where in his new 3-4 defense. Jeremiah Ratliff could see some snaps at the position, as could Ego Ferguson, but Goldman's versatility and run-stopping ability could easily have him get some serious playing time quickly in the Bears' system.
Goldman was chosen as an All-ACC player and an All-American during the 2014 season with the Seminoles, finishing the season with four sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 35 total stops on the season.
According to Goldman, he didn't visit Halas Hall before the NFL Draft, only meeting with the team at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Despite that limited interaction, Goldman is confident that he has landed with the right team.
"A great fit for me," he told media after his selection. "That's a perfect team for me and the way I like to play, so I'm happy with it."
Goldman also told media members that he is comfortable playing any position on the defensive line for the Bears, and that one of the things he's most excited about doing in Chicago is playing alongside Ratliff.
