The Chicago Bears have bolstered their offensive line by selecting Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. The 6’6″, 330-pound Wright was the 10th overall pick, after the Bears traded down one spot from No. 9. According to NBC Sports, the move was made to ensure that quarterback Justin Fields is well-protected. Indeed, the mental toughness that Wright displayed during an intense hour-long private workout played a key role in convincing the Bears to draft him, according to a report by NBC Sports.
Wright, who will likely play at the right tackle position, is expected to help prevent the kind of pressure and sacks that plagued the Bears’ offensive line last season. According to NBC Sports, the team’s right tackles gave up 32 pressures and eight sacks, prompting the selection of Wright. In addition, Bears Wire reports that the team addressed an important need at right tackle with the pick, and has graded it positively.
Though Wright has yet to play a down in the NFL, he comes with an impressive scouting report, according to a Bleacher Report article. The report notes that he has “massive upside” and “raw power”, making him an ideal fit for the Bears’ offensive line. However, there may be some cons to the pick as well, as noted by the Knoxville News Sentinel. The paper suggests that Wright’s pass-blocking abilities may be lacking, and that he may need some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
Regardless, the Bears seem confident in their selection of Wright, and they have another reason to be excited: according to a report by CBS Sports, Fields himself is “excited” about the pick. Bears Wire notes that the team’s general manager, Ryan Poles, made the pick while trading back one spot, and also selected Justin Fields, who is expected to be the team’s franchise quarterback.
Overall, the selection of Darnell Wright is seen as a positive move for the Chicago Bears. As they look to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season, they will need a strong offensive line to protect their new quarterback and give their offense a chance to shine. With Wright on board, they may have just taken a big step in the right direction.
