Bears’ Biggest Offseason Question Lies in Unexpected Position

Could Darnell Wright Switch to Left Tackle?

General manager Ryan Poles didn’t rule out the idea of moving Darnell Wright to the left side when asked about it: “Yeah, I think that is a conversation we’ll see how everything goes. He clearly has the ability to play left or right. We saw that in college. That was part of the value in taking Darnell, so if he had to play left, he can play left, and obviously I think we are all excited about his stuff to go right.”

Wright started 13 games at right tackle during his 2021 season at the University of Tennessee, along with 27 at right tackle and two at right guard. It’s understandable to argue that putting a more experienced player to protect Caleb Williams’ blindside makes sense, but there’s a lot to consider when making the potential switch.

Why Wright Should Stay Put

Darnell Wright has improved at right tackle over the past two seasons in Chicago and looks to improve with the expected stability at right guard. Meanwhile, Ozzy Trapilo expressed his willingness to play wherever needed, stating: I would just be ready to fill wherever is needed. That’s the main goal, right? Get on the field as soon as possible, so that is kind of how I focused my training these last few months. I think I’ve done a good job with that, so I wouldn’t have a preference at the moment.”

Trapilo started at left tackle during his 2022 season, and moving the only player (Wright) who’s been a consistent presence at his position could be a huge mistake.

Sports Illustrated writer Gene Chamberlain agrees that Wright should stay at right tackle, saying, “Wright is a mauler. Trapilo is a smooth operator. The scouting reports laud his [Trapilo] ability to mirror the pass rushers and move his feet. These are qualities for a left tackle whose job is protecting the right-handed QB’s blind side. The mauler is usually a right tackle because many teams tend to run more to the right side and the right side is usually the better run blocker. This is a strength of Wright’s. Right tackles are big and physical, like Sewell is for Detroit. In fact, Johnson has likened Wright to Sewell when he talked about him.”

Along with being open to the idea of moving Wright to LT, Ryan Poles recently appeared on ESPN 1000 and made it sound like they will switch Trapilo, not Wright, to LT and go from there.

Last Word on the Bears’ Tackle Situation

Trapilo’s selection may hint at the Bears preparing for life after Braxton Jones, whose contract expires after the 2024 season. This sets up an intriguing competition between Ozzy Trapilo and 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie for the starting left tackle role. Regardless of who wins the job, the Bears have made significant strides this offseason to solidify the offensive line and better protect their franchise quarterback.