Chicago Bears Roster: 5 positions which improved in 2021
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears Roster: Defensive line improved in 2021
The return of Eddie Goldman makes this an easy call. Goldman’s presence alone improves this defensive line, as the Bears had a hard time stuffing the run in 2020. Goldman is one of the best in the game at stopping the run, and the Bears will be glad to have him back. But, beyond Goldman, the Bears added a couple more to their rotation.
Seventh-round pick Khyiris Tonga will act as Goldman’s backup, but he should also get some action as a rookie, keeping Goldman fresh. Tonga is a truck of a body. He is massive, and just that alone makes him hard to run on. But, he flashed a ton of energy and burst in preseason play, making it look like the Bears stole him in the seventh round.
The Bears also signed Angelo Blackson, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals. In preseason play, Blackson made a big impression and proved that the Bears have some excellent depth up front. Blackson will back up Akiem Hicks, who is in an interesting predicament of his own, actually.
Hicks’ agent has asked the Bears for an extension as the heart and soul of the Bears’ defense is in the last year of his contract. If he stays healthy, look for Hicks to have a monster year as he searches for his next payday.
Having a trio of Goldman, Tonga and Blackson in place of guys like Brent Urban, John Jenkins and fan favorite Roy Robertson-Harris makes this group a whole lot stronger as a unit.