Ryan Poles understands the Chicago Bears aren’t where he wants them to be. It will take time before that happens. He wants to build this roster the right way. That means drafting well and developing younger players. The message became even clearer when he made 11 total picks in the 2022 draft. He is committed to this approach. Through two preseason games, it is hard to argue with it. The Bears rookie class has impressed.
It seems almost every draft pick has taken turns making positive plays. Jaquan Brisker stopped a Chiefs offensive drive single-handedly. Kyler Gordon forced a fumble in Seattle. Velus Jones had a 48-yard punt return, Braxton Jones is the starting left tackle, Trestan Ebner scored a TD, Trenton Gill had six punts inside the opposing 15, and even Elijah Hicks recovered a muffed punt for a touchdown. That doesn’t even include undrafted free agent Jack Sanborn who had an interception and recovered a fumble.
As first impressions go, Chicago couldn’t ask for much more. Yet the strong showings don’t end there. Another rookie has put together a strong preseason. Nobody has noticed because most of the attention is focused on fellow offensive line teammates like Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. Viewing the tape, people will quickly see #69 doing some good work. That is 7th round pick, Ja’Tyre Carter.
They didn't score but Ja'Tyre Carter and Jean Delance were moving people in the run game on this one (including Dieter Eiselen 😂) 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/RHwPl1PTn5
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 19, 2022
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Chicago Bears may have something in Carter.
A tackle out of Southern University, he stood out during the Senior Bowl. The consensus was that he was a strong kid with a mauler’s mentality in the run game but average overall athleticism. If he wanted a chance in the NFL, he’d have to correct some serious flaws in his technique. It is early, but there are signs he made progress in this department. Carter has allowed one QB pressure in 21 pass-blocking snaps through two games. Even better, he was perfect in nine true pass sets (where he had no help).
His performance to this point would indicate he likely sticks on the main roster as a backup at guard. The history he has at tackle should add to his value. It is encouraging to see him make progress like this. He won’t be a starter this year, but he’s already positioning himself as a high-quality backup. That could prove vital during a long season.
Could Poles have hit on all 33 draft picks? 😆
It’s not only Ja’Tyre Carter, but Lachavious Simmons is also rocking the OL at guard.
Would inserting one of these guys at LG,, and moving Cody back to center be too much of a stretch?
Could “performance over politics” turn out to be a real thing under Matt Eberflus? Time will tell.