Ryan Poles Should Already Regret Major Draft Mistake

The Chicago Bears are 1-2 heading into Week 4. This offseason, general manager Ryan Poles did a great job adding talent to this roster.

Over a span of a few months, the Bears added Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett, D'Andre Swift, and Kevin Byard.

The future is bright in the Windy City and Poles made some good moves. On the flip side, he has to be second-guessing one of his recent draft picks.

Bears Had Chance to Draft Jalen Carter

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears were in the ninth overall spot but ended up trading back with the Philadelphia Eagles for pick No. 10 and a 2024 fourth-round pick.

With the ninth overall pick, the Eagles took defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and the Bears took offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

And thus far into their careers, Carter is looking like a complete stud. As for Wright, things remain to be seen.

Through 19 games, Carter has compiled 41 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and six sacks. In 2024, the Georgia product already has 10 pressures, seven hurries, and a 90.5 pass-rush grade per PFF.

Meanwhile, Wright has struggled immensely. The Tennessee product has given up 47 hurries and 10 sacks in 20 games with the Bears. This season, he's already allowed three sacks with a 64.7 overall grade and a 63.4 pass-blocking grade according to PFF.

In hindsight, the better selection would have been Carter. He entered the 2023 draft as one of the best players but slipped down the board due to questions about his character. But with the right stability, that wouldn't have been an issue.

Another reason Chicago should have drafted Carter was their lack of pass rush. In 2023, they were 31st in the league in team sacks (30) and could have used Carter wreaking havoc along the interior.

You won't hit one every draft pick but this is one that has to be in the back of Poles' mind.

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