How Darnell Wright Fits Chicago's Long-Term Plans
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10 overall. He is the highest drafted Volunteer since 2010 when the Kansas City Chiefs selected Eric Berry at No. 5 overall. He is the first Tennessee player taken in the first round as a whole since 2017, when Derek Barnett was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles No. 14 overall.
The Bears immediately invested themselves into one of their most needed positions, offensive linemen. According to the Pro Football Network, the Bears were in the bottom half of the league last season in offensive line rating (20th overall). This affected the Bears significantly throughout the season as they finished the year 3-14. They have a combined record of 9-25 over the last two seasons.
They got one of the better pure offensive tackle prospects in the draft. At 6-foot-6 inches and 335 pounds, Wright is well-sized and has exceptional lateral movement for his size to be a great NFL tackle. He was also All-SEC last season and was SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice. Wright finished his career on a high note against Clemson in the Orange Bowl by not allowing any QB hits or pressures.
With the big load of questions Chicago has at the offensive line, Wright is in a position to take over the position group as a top-ten draft pick. This can, in turn, make the Bears a dangerous team with the weapons they have on offense. After a while, Fields will gain time to hit his talented targets like Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, Chase Claypool, and even former Volunteer Velus Jones Jr.
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