The Chicago Bears made their first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright
Improving the offense and helping Justin Fields is paramount this year. Other than a midseason eruption, the team struggled to put points on the board last season, and oftentimes it felt like Fields was the only man on the field making plays. Sometimes it was due to a lack of offensive players who could execute in key scenarios. Other times it was because the porous line was allowing constant pressure. Ryan Poles addressed the playmaker problem when he traded for DJ Moore last month.
Wright rocketed up draft boards in the weeks leading up to the draft and broke into the conversation for top offensive line prospect along with Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson Jr. and Broderick Jones. He was a popular pick for the Bears in many mock drafts, too. Publications from PFF to ESPN, and even our very own Josh Schrock predicted Wright to the Bears over the past month.
Wright is big and strong , and moves surprisingly well for his size . He uses that blend to excel in run blocking, which we know is a must for any offensive lineman in Poles’ eyes. Wright’s no slouch in pass pro, either. According to PFF, he allowed no sacks and just eight pressures in 2022, while going up against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC. In fact, Wright seemed to elevate his game against fierce competition.
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