Grading Chicago Bears rookies through seven weeks of 2023

The Chicago Bears have played seven games, and we have slowly been seeing their rookies take the field more. What were the expectations for these players before the season, and have they met them at this point?

Round 1 Chicago Bears OT Darnell Wright

Darnell Wright has been the most reliable offensive lineman on the Chicago Bears. He is the only starter who is not missing time due to injury or switching positions for one reason or another. He is the lone contributor to continuity.

Darnell Wright handled himself well against Lukas Van Ness, and he gave up a couple of pressures to Rashan Gary, who played on a pitch count. Some of the pressures he allowed on Shaq Barrett in week two were in part because of how long Justin Fields held the football.

He allowed a sack to Chris Jones in week three, but played well against George Karlaftis. He also had one of his best games against the Denver Broncos, and did fine against Montez Sweat in the Chicago Bears only win.

The Vikings used stunts and blitzes to get Danielle Hunter away from Darnell Wright, and while Maxx Crosby did get a sack near halftime, Wright did a serviceable job, especially playing through an injury.

Think about the list of names he has faced. Gary, Jones, Crosby, Hunter and Sweat. Those are some big timers.

The only knock against Darnell Wright is how good Jalen Carter is. When you take away the opportunity cost, this player is turning into a trusted right tackle.

Darnell Wright grade: A