Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman needs to finally fulfill his potential in 2018
By David Mamola
The Chicago Bears desperately need fourth-year defensive tackle Eddie Goldman to finally live up to his potential in 2018.
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has flashed his tremendous upside several times during his three years in the NFL. He’s shown he has pass rushing ability, and at 320-pounds, he’s able to clog-up two gaps and slow down the running game.
However, consistency has been a major issue for Goldman. He’ll look fantastic in one game, only to disappear the next game.
With all of his physical gifts, Goldman should easily eclipse five sacks and 40 tackles each season. Yet, he’s only managed just 8.5 career sacks and 84 combined tackles in three years.
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Injuries have also been a concern with the former Florida State Seminole. He has never played a full 16-game season and has missed a total of 12 games in his first three seasons. Goldman was the 39th-overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, yet it’s fair to say that he hasn’t lived up to his high draft slot.
It’s always been about upside and potential with Goldman. All NFL players have potential, yet very few actually fulfill it. Goldman is entering his fourth season with the Bears, but he’s been a bit of a disappointment. He flashes potential to tantalize coaches and fans, yet he hasn’t been able to put it all together yet. It’s a fair question to wonder if Goldman ever will.
Goldman’s grades from Pro Football Focus (Subscription Required) in his first three seasons have been underwhelming for a second-round pick: 70.5 in 2015, 75.9 in 2016 (only six games), and 65.2 in 2017. He’s entering the last year of his rookie contract and might be a candidate for an extension before or during this season. It’ll be fascinating to see if he gets one or not, and if he does, how much does he make? Does Ryan Pace pay for past performance or for Goldman’s potential that he might never reach?
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The 2018 season is huge for Goldman. There are no excuses why he cannot succeed. He’s been in the same Vic Fangio defense for now four seasons, he’s playing next to a rising star in Akiem Hicks, and he didn’t have any offseason surgeries or injuries to recover from.
The time is now for Goldman to perform and finally live up to his potential. He’s running out of time and the Bears desperately need him to play like the player they all think he can be.