Vols OL Darnell Wright climbs into the top half of first round in latest mock draft
Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Darnell Wright boosted his draft stock last week via his standout performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. Prior to the Senior Bowl, Wright was viewed as a potential late first-round pick or a second-round pick. Wright's performance at the Senior Bowl, however, solidified his standing as a first-round pick. […]
Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Darnell Wright boosted his draft stock last week via his standout performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL.
Prior to the Senior Bowl, Wright was viewed as a potential late first-round pick or a second-round pick.
Wright's performance at the Senior Bowl, however, solidified his standing as a first-round pick.
In fact, he might have even lifted himself to the top half of the first round.
The latest mock draft from CBS Sports has the Baltimore Ravens selecting Wright with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The closer we get to the start of the offseason, the more and more it feels like Lamar Jackson has already played his last game in Baltimore. The Jets pounce. Meanwhile, Baltimore adds a very Ravens-like power blocker at right tackle in Wright. In the move, Baltimore gets two first-round picks — this one — and New York's in 2024, plus a 2024 third-round pick, and 2025 second-round selection.
I don't know how Wright wasn't viewed as a for sure first-round pick before the Senior Bowl.
The West Virginia native was one of the most underrated players in the nation in 2022. He completely shut down Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson, a likely top-five pick, in Tennessee's win against the Crimson Tide this past season. Wright also shut down LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari, another expected first-round pick, this season.
A lot of teams regretted passing on Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith in the 2021 NFL Draft (he was selected in the sixth round and he's now a starter for the Kansas City Chiefs). They won't be making the same mistake with Darnell Wright.
Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
