Emma: Jeremiah Ratliff Helps Guide Eddie Goldman's Development

By Chris Emma--

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- When Eddie Goldman lines up over center in his three-point stance at Bears training camp, he looks ahead and sees the likes of Pro Bowler Kyle Long and veterans Will Montgomery and Matt Slauson. This is training grounds for a rookie nose tackle.

To Goldman's left lines up Jeremiah Ratliff, a 10-year NFL veteran and one of the game's most distinguished 3-4 nose tackles in recent history. Ratliff is someone whom Goldman looked up to as a kid. Now, Ratliff takes the end and lets the rookie manage the middle.

"That's crazy, man," Ratliff, 33, said of Goldman being a fan as a kid. "Makes me feel old."

The two work well together. The Bears' second-round pick out of Florida State, Goldman was brought to Chicago with the task of becoming that prototypical 3-4 space eater. Or, to be more precise -- the next Ratliff.

Having a pair of monsters like Goldman and Ratliff -- added to the versatility of end Jarvis Jenkins -- allows the Bears to work around double teams, giving their linebackers a chance to make plays. Goldman has learned his new position from Ratliff, the man he lines up next to.

"He's helping me recognize formations, run tendencies, looking at stance," Goldman said of Ratliff. "He's constantly giving me little reminders here and there.

"'Hey, I'm going to do this, so you just play off this.' I'm like, 'OK.'"

Ratliff has played 274 NFL games and recorded 274 tackles and 35 sacks during his career. He's a four-time Pro Bowler but has played just 22 games in the past three seasons because of injury. Ratliff must prove his place and that he has more good football left to play.

Given his experience, Ratliff is guiding Goldman through his first training camp and the challenges of learning Vic Fangio's complex 3-4 defense.

"It's fun," Ratliff said. "Being able to play the nose as well, you know what blocks he's getting. We get to learn formation recognition together. That's been good, we've been building a good chemistry."

Goldman certainly looks the part as the Bears' new nose tackle. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, with a hulking frame that did damage at Florida State. The Bears view Goldman as their long-term answer at nose tackle in Fangio's system, but his rookie year will be all about development. He must get better throughout this first season.

Entering this new challenge, Goldman has clear aspirations.

"I want to make it to the playoffs," Goldman said. "But my more specific goal is just to play every snap as best I can. A lot of these veterans don't have much time left in the league. Another goal is to learn as much as I can from them."

Time shared with Ratliff has helped Goldman realize what he hopes to garner during his NFL career. It's been a healthy, important relationship.

Goldman wants to be just like Ratliff, the defensive tackle he looked up to.

"I want to soak it up," Goldman said. "My 10th year in the league, I can see a young pup walk in and teach them the ropes, too."

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.