Chicago Bears right tackle Darnell Wright is coming off his best season in the NFL. Where did Wright rank among the top offensive tackles in ESPN's rankings?
Ben Johnson understands how valuable Darnell Wright is for the Chicago Bears' offense.
He sets the tone in the run game, using his raw power and athleticism to pave lanes for his teammates in the backfield. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound right tackle provides stability as a pass blocker, allowing just 19 total pressures and three sacks last season.
That production can't be overlooked.
“His approach and professionalism is what stood out from the start of the springtime a year ago up until this point," Johnson said during minicamp. "He just continues to get better. When you watch us on offense, we’re certainly a little bit more righthanded than lefthanded and that is with him in mind. I think he’s one of those tackles that’s a powerful player and can displace guys off the line of scrimmage. So when you have that available, it’s such a luxury that you really want to sync into it and he’s proven that he can do that and carry the load if you will a lot of times in the running game on his back. Very pleased with that. I think (Dan) Roushar and Kyle DeVan have done a phenomenal job just staying consistent, steady. His discipline continues to get better, just like I said the professionalism with which he enters the building just continues to get better every single day.”
Wright is beginning to earn recognition not just from his coach but other NFL executives, scouts and coaches around the league, who participated in ESPN's positional ranking series. Wright landed as the No. 6 ranked offensive tackle.
"Power and brute strength," an NFL personnel director said, via ESPN. "He can do whatever he wants on a football field."
The 24-year-old is coming off of his best season as pro. The former No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft earned second-team All-Pro honors after playing in 16 regular-season games. According to Pro Football Focus, his 85.6 run-blocking grade ranked sixth at the offensive tackle position.
Ryan Poles picked up Wright's fifth-year option, and the Bears' general manager intends to work on a contract extension with the talented offensive lineman.
Wright finished as the sixth-best offensive tackle and the top right tackle, but ESPN's rankings also revealed that some voters had him as high as No. 2 in the NFL, while others left him unranked.
"I don't see a consistently high motor," a veteran NFL defensive coach said, via ESPN. "That's the next step for him is getting that up."
Wright is entering his fourth season as pro. He is far from a finished product, but it's clear Johnson has one of the best offensive tackles in the game anchoring the O-line, a luxury that benefits everyone on offense.
