As the Chicago Bears sit at their bye week, it is a good chance to look back at where the team stands. The rookies on the roster have five more games to complete their first season. The bye being this late gives them a chance to finish strong.
How have the rookies graded out so far?
Chicago Bears Round 1 Darnell Wright
Darnell Wright has checked a lot of the boxes that the Bears needed to see in his first season. First, he is playing over 99% of the snaps this season and has hardly missed any time. More than that, he has faced a tough stretch of opponents.
He gave up pressures to Rashan Gary, Shaq Barrett, and Chris Jones in the first few weeks. Nik Bonitto got him as well, and so did Montez Sweat. Then, he got a stretch of Danielle Hunter, Maxx Crosby, Joey Bosa, and then Cameron Jordan.
Wright got a small breather against the Carolina Panthers, but you could tell that he was playing through an injury after that tough stretch of games. He has not been quite the same in recent weeks but has still had moments of positive against both Aidan Hutchinson and Danielle Hunter.
Wright needed this bye week in the worst way. It will give the rookie a chance to rest and get back up to speed for the next five weeks. It would be great to see Wright finish strong.
Darnell Wright first half grade: B