National NFL writer believes Bears offensive tackle will make the jump to a Pro Bowl level in 2024
Heading into the 2024 season, the Chicago Bears biggest weakness from the season before is beginning to look like a strength on paper.The Bears offensive line is now filled with talented players in the starting five and quality depth pieces behind them. Going into training camp, the unit is still looking to solidify two battles […]
Heading into the 2024 season, the Chicago Bears biggest weakness from the season before is beginning to look like a strength on paper.
The Bears offensive line is now filled with talented players in the starting five and quality depth pieces behind them. Going into training camp, the unit is still looking to solidify two battles but overall the team is much stronger and healthier up-front.
That's big news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, whom the unit will be looking to keep up-right during the 2024 season.
One player in particular on the Bears offensive line started to receive some high praise from a national writer this week heading into his second season. When the Bears drafted right tackle Darnell Wright tenth overall last season, the hope was that he would quickly become a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Wright had a solid rookie season that had a few hiccups along the way as he adapted to blocking top-tier edge rushers around the league. By the end of the season, Wright showed enough flashes to inspire confidence from the coaching staff and front office.
"He's out there right now as a rookie, he's out there just using his natural ability," general manager Ryan Poles said after the season. "In a lot of games, that was good enough, but there were some games and some reps where it wasn't good enough, and he's gotta continue to get better. And I know he's gonna put the time in. But he's made of the right stuff. He's tough, he's strong — all of those core pieces are gonna allow him to build off that and be a really good player."
The team's top executive isn't the only one who believes Wright will build off of his rookie season in a big way going into this coming season. NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks listed Wright in his 2024 All-Breakout Team and noted that the Bears offensive tackle has what it takes to play at a Pro Bowl level this season.
The Bears' hopes of making the playoffs in Caleb Williams' debut season hinge on the performance of an offensive line anchored by this rugged right tackle with a nasty disposition. As a rookie in 2023, Wright delivered a series of eye-opening performances. With the spotlight on Williams and Co. in 2024, Wright should catch even more attention. He's a bully on the edge with long arms and quick feet, possessing the tools and talent to play at a Pro Bowl level as a sophomore. – NFL.com's Bucky Brooks
Blocking for the first overall pick in the draft will certainly put some more attention Wright's way going into his sophomore season and he'll need to improve upon his 61.4 PFF pass blocking grade to reach that level of play.
Wright was the only member of the team's offensive front to play all 17 games and having more consistency from the unit in 2024 will go a long way toward helping everyone on offense. He already proved he's a dominate run blocker during his rookie season and showing improvement in pass protection can warrant even more national attention coming his way.
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