GM Ryan Poles Explains Why the Bears Passed on Jalen Carter
PUBLICATION
Joe El-Khoury
May 12, 2023 (6:00 PM)
As we navigated the suspenseful twists and turns of the 2023 NFL Draft, one significant question loomed large - where would Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle from Georgia, find his fate sealed?
Carter, swathed in a shroud of controversy, had made quite a stir in the run-up to the draft. The NFL Combine had to briefly halt his participation following an arrest warrant issued in his name. This was in connection to a fatal street racing incident involving Chandler LeCroy, a staff member at Georgia, and player Devin Willock.
The next thrilling moment came when the Bears made their pick, favoring offensive lineman Darnell Wright over Carter. This decision sparked curiosity, and the Bears' General Manager, Ryan Poles, shed some light on it during his chat with 670 The Score, while also explaining why the Eagles seemed a better fit for Carter.
Poles stressed the importance of culture, stating:
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"We are acutely aware of our team's current dynamics, what it can sustain, and what it can't. This, in my view, is key to making smart decisions in this domain."
Further, he suggested that the Eagles' solid groundwork could accommodate a player like Carter, while the Bears were still dealing with a somewhat less stable foundation.
Expressing satisfaction with the Bears' decision, Poles continued:
"As for Jalen, I believe he's landed in an excellent place. They have a solid base, established leaders, and their culture is firmly set."
In essence, the Eagles were in a position to take a chance on Carter - a luxury the Bears felt they couldn't afford while striving to solidify their own foundation. Choosing an offensive tackle like Wright might not send fans rushing to buy jerseys, but it does underline the team's priorities and strategic planning.
Previously on LetsBearDown
POLL |
MAY 12 | 101 ANSWERS GM Ryan Poles Explains Why the Bears Passed on Jalen Carter Should the Chicago Bears' have drafted Jalen Carter? |
Yes | 13 | 12.9 % |
No | 88 | 87.1 % |
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