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.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
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
TCena, I agree that Morgan was and is questionable at best. 108 sacks in 2 years. Probably not all on him but not great. Personally, I can’t really grade the wright v carter thing in fairness to everyone involved. They both have tremedous potential potential. Pro bowl type. Either could excel or flop. My guess is wright has a higher floor, Carter higher ceiling and plays a more premium position just how I see it now.
@amv74 —
Sorry, I didn’t make myself clear.
I tried to say that Chris Morgan “did his best” to tamp down any outside influences on “his linemen” — and that restriction did not benefit Darnell Weight, nor the others.
In my view, the “Trent Williams’ tips and tricks” are on full view across the internet and reveal his exceptional talent and technical skills.
Not all linemen have his level of talent, but some of Williams’ skills can be taught/learned.
Apparently however, none will be as long as “C-Mo” is the Bears’ OL coach.
And, that is unfortunate.
TCena, why keep morgan, reputation? the numbers don’t lie. wright looked like a rookie, he may flourish to pro bowl, but i don’t think morgan helped much.
so ESPN just ranked carter 3rd for best rookies. wright no where on list for top 10 or honorable mention. I know there is some subjectivity to this, but to say poles made the right call is living in lambert fantasy land.
Cheers to another year of fleecing and getting an OC.