Emma: Goldman, Hicks Want To Be Bears' Wrecking Balls

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Out of the blue came Eddie Goldman to blow up a play.

New defensive line mate Akiem Hicks was dazzled by Goldman's combination of size and strength. Goldman hopes to play at 325 pounds but brings the kind of athleticism a big man isn't supposed to have.

Hicks was inspired to song.

"He came in like a wrecking ball," Hicks sang, channeling his inner Miley Cyrus with a high-, off-pitched tune.

All Goldman could do was raise an eyebrow. That's just the beginning of it.

"I had a little Bieber fever back in the day, too," Hicks said with a straight face.

The Bears' new tandem of versatility is clicking on the defensive line. The second-year nose tackle Goldman and key offseason acquisition Hicks will play off each other for the front of Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense.

Quickly, the two began to click. Hicks has a vibrant personality, while Goldman is a bit more laid-back, but the two have developed a chemistry.

"As long as we communicate, we can do anything we want," Goldman said. "He's a guy with abilities, and I'm a guy with abilities. As long as we communicate, we can do big things."

Last season, the Bears paired Goldman with former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff. Then in October, Ratliff had an emotional explosion that led to his sudden exit from the organization. Goldman was thrust into a key role, primarily playing nose tackle without the cover of Ratliff.

In Hicks, the Bears found an ideal complement to Goldman. Hicks is 324 pounds, and Goldman is down around 15 pounds and hopes to play at 325 this season. Still, don't sleep on their athleticism. Both can make plays.

Hicks is explosive off the snap with a quick, natural burst out of his stance. He also features sudden moves that can beat offensive linemen.

"He moves way better than I expected (for being) that big," rookie defensive end Jonathan Bullard said, which Hicks joked was a "compisult" -- a compliment wrapped in an insult.

Added Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan of Hicks: "He's a mountain. You can't move him."

Now entering his second season, Goldman hopes to improve his footwork and become better with one-on-one battles. He had 4.5 sacks in his rookie season. That number could rise with Hicks alongside him.

The key for working with Hicks will be communication, Goldman said, because the two feature skills that pair well together. Hicks has been impressed with what he's seen of the "wrecking ball" Goldman.

"The kid's strong," Hicks said

Hicks signed with the Bears as one of their top free-agent priorities. The Bears were in contact with his agent, Frank Murtha, as one of their first calls during the NFL's legal tampering period. He officially put pen to paper three days into free agency.

The appeal of joining a growing organization proved to be the greatest selling point for Hicks. During Ryan Pace's second offseason as general manager, the Bears added Hicks plus linebackers Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman to bolster the defense. The upgrades are expected to make a great difference in 2016.

"Everybody's athletic, everybody's explosive, everybody has a hunger to get things done," Hicks said. "Those factors, those things, are enough to make a good defense."

Success for the Bears' new-look defense starts up front with Hicks and Goldman. How the two play off each other will determine whether there are lanes for Trevathan and Freeman to make plays. The Bears envision their presence opening the edge for Pernell McPhee, Leonard Floyd, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston.

First comes the work to improve this offseason. Goldman had a big grin on his face looking ahead to the season.

"I'm in the lab, working like everybody else," he said. "I think we're going to put on a great show this year."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.