While we wait for this year’s trades, free agency, and draft, we can take time to review what Pyan Poles did last year to rebuild the Bears roster as quickly as he has. Poles fleeced the Carolina Panthers in March, acquiring DJ Moore and multiple picks for the number one overall selection in 2023. That move alone brought Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and this year’s top spot in this year’s draft. We look at how Ryan Poles made the (W)right choice passing on Jalen Carter.
Poles completed another shrewd move during the first-round draft night when he moved down one spot trading with Philadelphia. The Eagles selected defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Poles selected the best offensive tackle in the draft when he made Darnell Wright the pick.
Darnell Wright’s Successful Season
Darnell Wright stepped into the starting lineup and was stellar in his first year. Despite being hampered with an injury mid-year, Wright impressed all season. He wasn’t perfect, but he did get better as the season progressed. Wright should be an anchor on the line for several years.
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In Philadelphia, Jalen Carter showed early why many considered him the best prospect in the 2023 draft. His early success was painful to watch as the Bears defensive line struggled through the first portion of the season. Fans took to social media in droves, complaining about Poles’ decision to pass on Carter.
Darnell Wright steadily improved in his rookie year. However the same cannot be said for Carter. Carter finished the season with six sacks. 3 1/2 of those sacks came in Carter’s first six games. Carter was only credited with 2 1/2 sacks the rest of the year.
Carter Can Still Be A Great Choice
There is no doubt Jalen Carter is an incredible talent, and he could go on to have a great career. The NFL can humble the best of athletes. This season, at least, it appears that after reviewing Carter’s film, offensive coordinators were able to figure him out. Carter’s numbers fell off during the last half of the season.
News and Notes
The divisional round schedule and game times are set. There will be no games airing exclusively on Peacock or any other streaming-only services. All times listed are Central time.
Saturday
Game one: Houston at Baltimore (ABC & ESPN) 3:30
Game two: Green Bay at San Francisco (Fox) 7:15
Sunday
Game one: Tampa at Detroit (NBC) 2:00
Game two: Kansas City at Buffalo (CBS) 5:30
