Chicago Bears 20 Most Important Players: #12 Darnell Wright

Our series profiling the 20 most important Chicago Bears players for 2023 continues with #12, right tackle Darnell Wright.

As the Chicago Bears training camp gets closer to its start, we continue our series profiling the 20 most important players for 2023. You can see the players profiled so far by pressing here.

Number 12 on the list is right tackle Darnell Wright. Wright was the Bears’ tenth pick in this year’s NFL draft. The offense needed a dependable option at right guard after their choices there last season did not work out.

General manager Ryan Poles understood the need but decided against going through free agency. He had a plan on where the team’s money was going and he wasn’t about to likely overpay for help. Instead, he decided to go with Wright and a team-friendly contract for four (or five) seasons.

Wright was an underrated offensive lineman. While other players received a lot of attention, Wright wasn’t talked about as much. Those in the NFL community knew about him, however.

Will Anderson, the third overall pick and the top edge rusher in the draft, had nothing but praise for Wright. When he went up against Wright, he had a difficult time. He could not put any pressure and was frustrated. He said that Wright was the most difficult lineman he ever faced.

Now Wright is tasked with keeping speedy, athletic edge rushers at bay. He also gives the Bears another young powerful lineman. With Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins, that means the Bears have three linemen still on their rookie deals. Add Nate Davis, who just signed his second contract, the Bears’ offensive line has a young unit that will develop together. Center Cody Whitehair is the grizzled veteran on the unit.

Wright has the tools to succeed

Wright has the strength to take on powerful rushes. Additionally, he has the quickness to negate their speed. He has great footwork and nearly never finds himself off-balanced.

Furthermore, Wright has the intelligence to be a great lineman. In addition to knowing what his role in a play is, he understands everyone else’s role. He knows what each lineman and the running backs and tight ends should do.

This will make Wright invaluable. He could assist the other players if they are not in full understanding of a play. That could result in him being a good leader on the team.

With his tools, Wright will be a huge asset for the offense. He can be an anchor against the pass rush, providing protection for quarterback Justin Fields. Fields had a great season in 2022 running the ball but he needs to develop his passing skills.

Additionally, Wright can move people to provide quality run blocking. The Bears have Khalil Herbert, a speedy runner who hits the holes quickly and takes off. They also have D’Onta Foreman, who can run people over.

By opening a gaping hole, both running backs could use their own tools to make a big play. Herbert will get his speed in action and the defenders will have to try to catch up.

With Foreman, he will have momentum going into the second level. He could then knock linebackers and safeties around like bowling pins.

With Wright playing well, the Bears will have the bookend tackles to help keep Fields in the pocket. He could feel comfortable with his protection and hit the open receivers.

Wright has already garnered attention. NFL.com projects Wright to make the NFL All-Rookie team.

Wright’s presence on the line settles things and others can move into reserve roles. That adds depth and the unit can turn from a question mark into a real strength.