Chicago Bears: Post-2021 NFL Draft 53-man roster projection

Projecting the 2021 Chicago Bears  defensive line

Defensive Line: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, Mario Edwards, Khyiris Tonga, Angelo Blackson

The defensive line is going to look much different than it did a year ago, and mostly because the Bears welcome back Eddie Goldman to the starting nose tackle position. After opting out of the 2020 season, Goldman comes back and is going to make a huge impact in the run defense — which, needless to say, was a weak spot last year.

With Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols rounding out the other two starting spots, the Bears’ defensive front looks excellent if they’re all healthy.

Behind those three, you have the first guy up in Mario Edwards, whom the Bears brought back after a fantastic first season with Chicago in 2020. The newly-signed Angelo Blackson will also get some run spelling both Hicks and Nichols, and he’ll make an impact as well.

Then, there’s the rookie Khyiris Tonga, who becomes very valuable to the Bears right away. The BYU product will back up Goldman, who may need to take a breather here and there, after being away from football for a full season.

Overall, the Bears’ defensive line group is one of the stronger groups on the roster. They should have plenty of depth and be able to get most of them on the field in every single game, keeping all of their guys as fresh as possible.