Complete Chicago Bears 2017 53-man roster predictions

Defensive Line

Starters: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Jonathan Bullard

Backups: Jaye Howard, Mitch Unrein and Roy Robertson-Harris

Akiem Hicks exploded into a big-time impact player for the Chicago Bears last season. He is a big, quick and powerful defensive lineman who is a perfect fit for the five-technique in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense. Make no mistake about it, he will be back as an absolute force for the Bears in 2017.

Eddie Goldman appears healthy and should be ready to return as the primary nose tackle this season. Goldman is a powerful interior defender who can dominate against the run and create a bit of a pass rush. However, he cannot seem to stay healthy. If Goldman plays 16 games in 2017, the Bears defense is going to be in very good shape.

Hicks and Goldman are sure-fire starters. That being said, the third starting defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears is up in the air. I could easily see Jonathan Bullard, Jaye Howard or Mitch Unrein taking that job. Right now, I am going to go with Bullard.

Bullard looks strong and explosive so far this season. He is still an impressive one-gap defender who is showing a lot of ability up front. The Bears are going to give Bullard a chance to prove himself, but Howard and Unrein should be in the mix as well.

Roy Robertson-Harris is an extremely intriguing defensive end prospect. He entered the NFL last season as more of an edge rusher, but the Bears have converted him to five-tech defensive end and he has performed well. Robertson-Harris has bulked up this offseason, but he still has plenty of speed and athleticism to make plays. He is certainly a guy to watch out for as his size and speed combination is impressive.