Chicago Bears' Goldman needs to be fast learner

It's asking a lot of any one player to fill the void left by the absence of four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff.

But the Bears are looking to rookie Eddie Goldman.

Ratliff will miss the first three games of the season as punishment for a 2013 DUI conviction, and the 6-foot-4, 332-pound second-round draft pick from Florida State is the logical replacement.

"I've still got work to do," Goldman admitted. "But, at the same time, I think I can get out there and play."

That's what the Bears thought when they drafted Goldman 39th overall.

He has been getting some reps with the first team since training camp began, but now that the Ratliff suspension is official, Goldman's learning curve will be accelerated.

"It's altogether a different job description here, (in) what we're asking from him," coach John Fox said. "I can't tell you what his day-to-day work habits were and all that at Florida State.

"(But) he's done everything we've asked. He's progressing (with) what we're teaching."

The task of anchoring the middle of the Bears' defense is as difficult as it is crucial. The 3-4 nose tackle must be a stout run-stuffer and often is considered the most important player in the scheme.

Even for a rookie, Goldman is young; he won't turn 22 until after the end of the regular season.

He didn't require a redshirt season at FSU, stepping in and contributing as a true freshman in 2012, and he became a dominant performer all along the D-line in just three years at Tallahassee.

The first-team all-American believes that versatility and adaptability will help in his latest challenge.

"That's what I said during the draft process: playing end, defensive tackle and nose helped," Goldman said. "I can go to any type of defense and play those positions."

Fox won't put the entire burden of filling in for Ratliff on the rookie's massive shoulders, but he's encouraged by the qualities he's seen so far. And the Bears won't ask too much of the youngest player on their 90-man roster.

"I think he's mature enough in what we're asking," Fox said. "I don't know that we'll be lining him up at outside linebacker or anything. (But) he's a big body who's willing to work. He's mature for as young as he is."

Ratliff is allowed to practice and play with the Bears until the first week of the regular season.

So Goldman can earn a graduate degree in nose tackle with the lessons he will be learning from the 33-year-old, 11th-year veteran. But the rookie is quick to point out that he was studying Ratliff long before he became a mentor.

"I've watched him for about 10 years, (since) he was with the Cowboys (2005-12)," said Goldman, a native of Washington. "I was a (Skins) fan, so I watched him a lot."

Playing with the battle-tested veteran every day has given the rookie a greater sense of admiration for the way a true pro goes about his work.

"(It's) his consistency, how physical he is and how he literally takes this like a job," Goldman said. "He's so detailed in what he does."

The youngster also has gotten an education from playing against the Bears' starting guards, Matt Slauson and Kyle Long, plus center Will Montgomery.

"When you put your hand down, and the ball's about to snap, you have to have a plan going up against these guys," Goldman said. "Slauson he's been in the league (seven) years, Kyle's a Pro Bowler, (and) Will's been in the league for (10 years).

"You definitely have to have a plan, and you have to be detailed with your technique as well."

In less than three weeks, Goldman will get the ultimate test of what he has learned, when he lines up against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

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