I said down the stretch this season. I wasn't talking about last season. Carlson still played meaningful minutes down the stretch this season while Walton didn't play at all.
Everyone is so hung up on what Walton did on a very mediocre team his freshman season. He regressed this season and was passed by RJ Davis and Puff Johnson. Puff barely played last season, by your logic Walton is still better than him. Over the last two seasons UNC was 12-9 with Walton as a starter, 35-12 when he didn't start.
I don't think Walton or Carlson are starters on good power conference teams. They could be starters on bad power conference teams or lower level teams. Carlson will likely be the backup to Branden Carlson at Utah. If he starts, I don't think that bodes well for Utah.
Time will tell with Walton. He's a one trick pony, and his one trick wasn't very good this season. I don't have any issue with him being a bench/rotation player who can knock down a few shots. If he's starting and playing big minutes on your team, it's likely because you're not very good.