Darnell Wright snubbed in ESPN offensive tackle rankings

As we get closer to the start of training camp, ESPN is going through each position group and ranking the 10 best players in the NFL by anonymously polling league executives, coaches, and scouts. Offensive tackles were ranked on Sunday, and the Top 5 were no surprise: Tristan Wirfs, Penei Sewell, Lane Johnson, Trent Williams, and Jordan Mailata. I don't think there's a football fan anywhere who would disagree with this.

Unfortunately, but not unsurprisingly, one worthy name was omitted from this ranking and that is Darnell Wright of the Chicago Bears. This is not to say he should have absolutely been included in the Top 10; every one of the names listed there was more than deserving. But Wright did not appear among the Honorable Mentions, the guys who just missed the cut, nor did he even receive a single vote. In all, 24 names were mentioned in ESPN's rankings, and Wright was not one of them.

That's what makes this a snub. Wright has been playing at a high level ever since the Chicago Bears selected him 10th overall in the 2023 NFL draft. It took a while for some Bears fans to get over passing on defensive tackle Jalen Carter (and some fans still seem to hold a grudge), but Wright won the fanbase over by proving to be an immovable unit.

His breakout game came in just his fifth start as a Rookie against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite playing through an injury that rendered his left arm of little more use than if he had an accordion hanging from his shoulder, Wright absolutely stonewalled elite pass rusher Maxx Crosby.