The Chicago Bears made a bold move when they drafted Darnell Wright in the 2023 NFL draft.
It was less about the pick itself and more about the team trading off of Jalen Carter to make the pick. Still, entering year three, the question of how smart that decision was appears to be closer to an answer than ever before, which is why he sits at number seven on our most important players list.
Ranking most important Chicago Bears in 2025: Number 7 Darnell Wright
Wright has started for the Bears at right tackle over the past two years. He has been serviceable to above average through the duration of his career. However, after a promising rookie season, he plateaued or did not take any big step forward in his second year. You can blame a lot of factors. The rest of the line was a disaster, the coaching staff was even worse, and to top it all off, the biggest weakness of Caleb Williams was taking unnecessary sacks.
So, the environment was set up for him to struggle. Still, after year three, the Bears have to decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option. The assumption is that they will, but this year could certainly dictate that result.
When you look at the line, the group is improved, and so is the offensive coaching. Still, Wright is likely the second-best lineman on the roster, or at least based on what they invested in him, they need him to perform like one of the two best linemen in the NFL.
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There are no excuses this year, and the potential has to be hit. The expectations should be Pro Bowl, and at the very least, they have to see a quality starter for years to come. This year is vital for Wright.