The Chicago Bears have made their pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting offensive tackle Darnell Wright from the University of Tennessee (Bears draft Darnell Wright, NBC Sports). The Bears traded down one spot from No. 9 to No. 10 in the first round to select Wright (Bears draft Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears). Wright comes to the Bears’ roster with some knowledge of Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields, who he previously played against in college (Bears draft Darnell Wright and Justin Fields is excited, NBC Sports).
Ryan Poles, the Bears’ GM, used his first-round pick on Wright to help protect Fields’ blindside (2023 NFL Draft: Why Darnell Wright was Bears’ choice at No. 10, Yahoo Sports). According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Wright displayed mental toughness during an intense hour-long private workout that played a key role in convincing the Bears to pick him (How Ryan Poles became convinced Darnell Wright was the draft pick for the Chicago Bears).
Wright’s size and strength give him an advantage as a right tackle (Pros and cons of Chicago Bears taking Tennessee football’s Darnell Wright in 2023 NFL Draft, Knoxville News Sentinel). The Bears hope that his toughness and physicality will translate well to the NFL level as they seek to improve their offensive line (5 things to know about new Bears OT Darnell Wright, Bears Wire).
Offensive line coach Chris Morgan of the Bears has stated that Wright proved through his actions that he “wouldn’t quit” during a meeting between the two ahead of the draft (Before draft, Darnell Wright proved to Bears he ‘wouldn’t quit’, Chicago Sun-Times). Wright’s selection fills a position of need for the Bears and he has expressed excitement about joining the team (Bears’ Darnell Wright ready to keep ‘amazing’ Justin Fields clean, NBC Sports).
Overall, Wright’s strength, toughness, and ability to protect the quarterback make him a strong addition to the Chicago Bears’ roster.
