Bears Former First-Round Pick Due for an All-Pro Season
The Bears revamped offensive line and coaching changes set the stage for 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright to have an All-Pro season
The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with significant pressure to revamp their offensive line. Now that they’ve addressed it, the focus shifts from the front office to the players on the field. With All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and 2021 Pro Bowler Jonah Jackson arriving via trade, along with center Drew Dalman signing a three-year, $42 million deal, the foundation is set for the Bears’ offensive line to become an elite unit.
One name that hasn’t received enough attention is 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright. Despite dealing with instability at right guard and an underwhelming coaching staff, Wright has continued to progress each season. Now, with a strong supporting cast and improved coaching, he has a legitimate chance to earn All-Pro honors.
Bears Right Tackle Darnell Wright Due for an All-Pro Season
It’s easy to claim that Wright has improved since his rookie year, but the stats prove it.
In 2023, his rookie year, Wright logged 1,082 snaps while allowing 35 total blown blocks, committing six holding penalties, and drawing five false starts. This was while playing alongside Nate Davis and Ja’Tyre Carter at right guard and protecting Justin Fields at quarterback.
By 2024, Wright showed clear development. In 945 snaps, he cut his blown blocks down to 20, eliminated holding penalties, and reduced false starts to four—all while adjusting to a new right guard rotation of Nate Davis and Matt Pryor and blocking for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Despite the struggles Chicago endured last season, Wright emerged as the Bears’ highest-graded player with a 79.3 PFF grade. Yet, his performance has largely gone underappreciated.
