The Chicago Bears Will Look To Their Young Defense To Build On A Solid 2018 Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this one, taking a look at the Chicago Bears. In one or two articles I will be identifying a couple of players that I would consider adding or trading for ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire each of these players.
Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle:
Here is another young player who's shown to be pretty consistent over the last 2 seasons. Goldman, 25, has started all but one game` since the start of the 2017 seasons. He finished 2018 with 27 solo tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for loss. In IDP leagues he finished as a top 20 defensive tackle in total points. With teams focusing on Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, and Leonard Floyd Goldman is someone who could get lost, thus making him a great buy low candidate.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Goldman may not be a house hold name, but if he keeps up his consistency he very well might be. I view him as a defensive tackle two and think he can be had for no more then a mid round pick.
Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker:
Floyd, 26, was a top 10 pick by the Chicago Bears, in 2016. For his first two seasons in the league, he didn't really produce like the Bears had hoped. Only having started 22 out of 32 games he was looking like a bust, but then 2018 came. In that season, he started all 16 games and had his best season in the NFL.
The former first round pick finished with 34 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. In IDP leagues, Leonard finished inside the top 70, in total points. Given where he was drafted in IDP leagues and his overall production, he makes for a great buy low candidate.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I'm willing to bet that someone in your league has soured on Leonard Floyd. I would find that owner and acquire him as soon as possible. With the continued success of Khalil Mack and the emergence of Roquan Smith, owners might forget about Floyd.
I, however, am not, and expect Floyd to have another solid season as a solid LB3, with LB2 potential. I would start with a mid round pick and go no higher then a late second round pick.
Bryce Callahan, Cornerback:
Callahan, 27, was on his way to a career year, if he hadn't suffered a broken foot, that cut his 2018 season short. He started 10 games and played in three more. During those 13 games played, he had 39 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks. However, he is an unrestricted free agent, but I do expect Chicago to re-sign him. With him coming off of an injury, he is another great buy low for 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I think he makes for a great add if you're in need of cornerback depth and can be a great bye week starter. He might be available on the wire. If not, he shouldn't cost more then a late round pick.
Conclusion
Much like my article on the Carolina Panthers defense, this Chicago Bears defense is another unit that excites me, going into 2019. I'm confident the players mentioned above will have increased production and make for great IDP adds.
Ranking these players in order of acquisition, it would be Leonard Floyd, Bryce Callahan (assuming he signs with Chicago), then Eddie Goldman. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Cincinnati Bengals
