What the Bears are getting in Darnell Wright
The Chicago Bears addressed their most pressing need in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Tennessee OT Darnell Wright. Not only did Bears GM Ryan Poles get his guy, but he added a 2024 fourth-round pick in the process. Chicago moved back one spot in the draft in a pick swap […]
The Chicago Bears addressed their most pressing need in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Tennessee OT Darnell Wright.
Not only did Bears GM Ryan Poles get his guy, but he added a 2024 fourth-round pick in the process. Chicago moved back one spot in the draft in a pick swap with the Philadelphia Eagles who were set to pick at No. 10 overall.
The Bears are getting a Day 1 starter in Wright. Early indications are that Chicago will stick with Braxton Jones at left tackle and slide Wright in at right tackle next to free agent pickup RG Nate Davis.
A 6’5” 330-pounder, Wright’s physicality directly translates to the NFL. He started in 42 games at Tennessee with 27 coming at right tackle, 13 at left tackle and two at right guard.
Wright was named to the All-SEC First Team after a dominating campaign in 2022. He created plenty of buzz by shutting down Alabama’s Will Anderson who went No. 3 overall to the Houston Texans in the Vols’ dramatic win.
Justin Fields can rest easy knowing that he can now sit in the pocket and go through progressions without being forced to run for his life. Wright is also a difference maker in the run game and will create opportunities on the edge for running backs D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert.
The Bears enter Friday with two second-round picks (53, 61) and one third-round selection (61). Chicago has plenty of work left to do, but Poles and his staff knocked their first rounder out of the park.
