WATCH: Ryan Poles explains why Bears selected Darnell Wright in 1st round

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with the media Thursday night and explained the strategy behind his decision to select Tennessee OT Darnell Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

One question Poles will certainly face over the next few days is why he passed on Georgia DL Jalen Carter. The supremely talented interior defender was viewed as the most talented player in the 2023 NFL Draft who’d be a perfect fit in the Chicago Bears’ defense. But his on-field ability is only part of the evaluation.

“I won’t comment specifically on him but character’s always going to be important for us,” Poles said.

Check it out all of the Bears GM’s comments here:

Ryan Poles is speaking with the media @Hyundai | #BearsDraft https://t.co/uScwcnNOJP

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 28, 2023