Stat predictions for the Chicago Bears 2023 rookie draft class

Chicago Bears 2023 1st-Round Pick: Darnell Wright, OT

17 Starts, 6 sacks allowed

Darnell Wright was drafted to be the Bears' day-one starter at right tackle, and he should have no problem holding up his end of the bargain in that regard. He is a highly talented road grader who could become a standout early in his career. However, he is not a finished product and rookie tackles often take time to develop. One would set themselves up for disappointment by expecting him to buck that trend.

Charles Cross and Evan Neal, who were both selected in the top 10 of the 2022 draft, each allowed seven sacks in their first season, the same amount as Braxton Jones. Meanwhile, Ikem Ekwonu and Tyler Smith, who were also first-round selections, each allowed six.

Six sacks allowed feels like a safe expectation for Wright (who didn't give up a single sack in his final collegiate season), as he will benefit from playing on an offensive line that will be vastly better than last year's unit. Playing alongside an established veteran in Nate Davis at right guard should take some pressure off the University of Tennessee product, as he will know he has help on the interior.

The line should be vastly improved this season, and Wright has the skills to quickly establish himself as Chicago's best player up front. He may take a few weeks to get his feet under him, but it would not be surprising to see him be mentioned among some of the best players in the class by the season's end.