If the Chicago Bears are going to take a big step forward this season, it won’t happen without big contributions from their 2023 draft class. GM Ryan Poles did everything he could to produce a quality group. He stockpiled multiple high picks and several mid-rounders as well. Ten players in total. It isn’t unreasonable to expect at least two of them to become immediate contributors. The uncertainty is how effective they can be. Much of that depends on the coaching staff.
Results from the 2022 class offer some hope. Jaquan Brisker was a quality starter right out of the gate at safety. Braxton Jones started every snap at left tackle. Kyler Gordon rebounded from an ugly start to post three interceptions. Matt Eberflus seems to understand how to deploy young players to the best of their abilities, helping them grow over the course of a season. That might explain why Chad Reuter of NFL.com has high expectations for 10th overall pick Darnell Wright this year. We’re talking All-Rookie honors.
“The Bears can take the next step in 2023 if Justin Fields ascends to top-10 quarterback status in Year 3. Chicago selected Wright to play right tackle on the revamped offense line, which is tasked with not only protecting the young signal-caller but also leading a power run game with D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson (whom I considered for this list) at running back.”
The Chicago Bears will have produced a franchise first.
If Wright accomplishes such a feat, it would mark the second in consecutive years where an offensive tackle claimed All-Rookie honors. Jones did the same last season. It would also be a great sign for the team’s long-term hopes on the offensive line. It means they drafted two young players who were effective right out of the gate. History does show All-Rookie winners typically turn out pretty good. Some recent names include Ryan Ramczyk, Braden Smith, Jawaan Taylor, and Tristan Wirfs. Strong company if Wright were to join them.
It would certainly shine a positive light on Poles, having acquired both players in back-to-back drafts. The Chicago Bears GM is an offensive line specialist. So this is something he should be good at. One person happy about such a development is Justin Fields. Like any quarterback, he’s only as productive as his blocking. When his pass protection held, he could make any throw in the playbook. That is what the Bears are aiming for. It is nice to hear more positive expectations for their 1st round pick.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
