**Poles Reached for Him, Duh. Should Have Drafted Jalen Carter!!!**
The 2023 NFL Draft will forever be remembered as the moment the Chicago Bears—and specifically General Manager Ryan Poles—fumbled an absolute gift from the football gods. In a draft where generational defensive talent Jalen Carter was sitting there for the taking, Poles decided to get cute, trading down and selecting… *checks notes*… right tackle Darnell Wright? Really? Darnell Wright over Jalen Carter? In what universe does that make sense?
Fast forward to today, and the decision looks even worse. Carter, who many scouts had as the best overall prospect in the draft, is already terrorizing offenses for the Philadelphia Eagles, looking every bit like the next Aaron Donald. Meanwhile, the Bears’ defensive line remains a glaring weakness, and Wright—while serviceable—hasn’t exactly transformed the offensive line into an impenetrable fortress. So, let’s break this down: Why did Poles make such a colossal mistake, and how much will it haunt this franchise for years to come?Jalen Carter was, by nearly every evaluation, the best defensive player in the 2023 draft. At Georgia, he was an unstoppable force, collapsing pockets, stuffing the run, and demanding double-teams every snap. His combination of strength, explosiveness, and technique was rare for a college prospect, drawing comparisons to all-time greats. Even with some off-field concerns (which were overblown), his talent was undeniable.
The Eagles, never ones to overthink greatness, happily scooped him up at No. 9, and he immediately proved why he should’ve been a top-three pick. Carter’s rookie season was dominant—he was a game-wrecker from Week 1, living in opposing backfields and making plays that only elite defensive tackles can make. Meanwhile, the Bears’ defensive line struggled to generate pressure, leaving their young secondary exposed. Imagine Carter lining up next to Montez Sweat. Imagine the havoc. Instead, Bears fans are left imagining what could have been.The excuses were plentiful at the time:
1. **”Character Concerns”** – Yes, Carter had some off-field questions, but let’s be real—this is the NFL. Teams take risks on players with far worse backgrounds every year. The Eagles, a well-run organization, did their homework and had zero regrets. Meanwhile, the Bears, a franchise desperate for elite talent, played it safe. Since when does playing it safe win championships?
2. **”We Needed Offensive Line Help”** – Okay, fine. The Bears needed offensive line improvements. But since when is reaching for a right tackle at No. 10 the solution? Wright was a good prospect, but not a can’t-miss, franchise-altering player. If Poles was so desperate for O-line help, he could’ve traded back again, accumulated more picks, and still landed a solid lineman later. Instead, he took a decent player over a potential Hall of Famer.
3. **”The Trade Down Was Too Good to Pass Up”** – The Bears moved down one spot, picked up a fourth-rounder, and still had their choice of elite defensive talent. And they *still* didn’t take Carter. That’s not smart asset management—that’s malpractice.The ripple effects of this decision are already being felt. The Bears’ defense, while improving, lacks a true game-changer in the trenches. Carter would’ve given them that. Instead, they’re left hoping that a rotation of mid-tier free agents and late-round picks can somehow replicate what one dominant force could’ve provided.
Meanwhile, the Eagles—already a contender—got even scarier. Carter is the type of player who elevates everyone around him. He demands attention, frees up linebackers, and makes the entire defense better. The Bears could’ve had that. Instead, they have a right tackle who, again, is fine—but not a difference-maker.This isn’t just about one draft pick—it’s about a pattern of decision-making that keeps the Bears stuck in mediocrity. For decades, this franchise has overthought draft picks, passed on elite talent, and tried to outsmart everyone in the room. Meanwhile, teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, and 49ers pounce on greatness when they see it.
The Bears had a chance to draft a defensive cornerstone. They had a chance to change the trajectory of their franchise. Instead, they got cute. They reached. And now, they’ll spend the next decade watching Jalen Carter dominate while wondering, *What if?*Ryan Poles had a gift handed to him, and he fumbled it. Jalen Carter was the obvious pick. The *only* pick. And now, Bears fans are left with yet another “what could have been” moment in a long history of them.
Should’ve drafted Jalen Carter. Duh.
