It was one of the biggest draft debates Chicago Bears fans have endured in years. Jalen Carter was considered one of the elite prospects in the 2023 draft. He was that ultra-rare interior pass rusher teams dream about: big, strong, and explosive. When he was revved up, he was unblockable. There was one problem. Serious concerns persisted about his maturity and whether he could stay out of trouble, given his multiple incidents in college. He'd be such a great fit for the Bears' defense, but also a huge risk. Besides, GM Ryan Poles knew his team's offensive line was in a bad state. They needed help. Ultimately, he zeroed in on giant Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright.
Chicago swapped spots with the Philadelphia Eagles, who took Carter.
Since then, the debate has raged for three years about who got the better end of the deal. Carter staked his case in 2024, collecting 4.5 sacks and 16 QB hits as the Eagles won the Super Bowl. However, Wright steadily developed into one of the best right tackles in football. At last, on Friday night in Philadelphia, the two met for the first time. It didn't go well for Carter.
Wright stole his lunch money all night.
Darnell Wright was unimpressed with Carter.
The defensive lineman had no answers against the Bears tackle in pass rush situations and was an outright liability in run defense. Chicago ran at him all night and kept finding open lanes. Darnell Wright finished allowing only two pressures on the quarterback in 40 snaps and a 73 run-blocking grade, which was the highest on the team. Carter had a sack, but had little impact outside of that. At least for one game, the Bears proved to everybody they made the right decision over two years ago.
Wright is the anchor for one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. He's on course for his first potential Pro Bowl nod. Carter has regressed from his great season last year, even getting suspended for spitting on somebody, which brings back those maturity issues. Both players are on course for good careers, but one thing can be put to bed. The Bears do not regret their choice.
