The progression of Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright over the last few years has been amazing to see for the fan base.
Wright was a first-round pick back in 2023, starting all but two games in that three-year stretch. All that development came together last year when he had his best season yet, earning a second-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. Entering his fourth NFL season, he is starting to get noticed by the league for his play.
ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shared the latest top-10 rankings from league coaches, scouts, and executives, with a focus this time on offensive tackles. Wright made the list, ranking sixth, with his highest ranking being first from someone. One member of the league praised him, while a coach gave Wright some sound advice.
"Power and brute strength," an NFL personnel director said. "He can do whatever he wants on a football field."
"I don't see a consistently high motor," a veteran NFL defensive coach said. "That's the next step for him is getting that up."
Darnell Wright is close to being one of the best in the NFL
Wright started 16 games last season, allowing 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks in 638 pass-blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 14th-best offensive tackle out of 89, with an 81.4 grade.
Last year, Wright struggled with penalties, being called on 12 of them. That was the seventh-highest among offensive tackles in the NFL last year.
He has proven himself to be a great offensive tackle, and the Bears seem to believe he will be great after their offseason decision. They picked up his fifth-year option on his rookie contract and are expected to try to get a long-term contract done with him sometime before training camp starts.
Chicago is dealing with significant uncertainty at left tackle, with Ozzy Trapilo injured and Braxton Jones expected to take over in the interim. That leaves Wright with some pressure to hold up his end of the bargain on the right side to help the offensive line out through this transitional period.
Read more: Sam Roush finally eases Bears fans' last stress before training camp
There is little doubt about Wright, as he is well on his way to becoming one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. 2026 is only going to show him take his game to the next level where it needs to be.
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