The Chicago Bears hatched one of the many surprises inside the top 10 of the 2023 NFL draft. They already had one when they sent the #1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers last month. As it turns out, GM Ryan Poles had one more in store. After weeks of hearing the Bears would take Jalen Carter if he fell to #9, the scheme was finally hatched. Poles trade that spot to the Philadelphia Eagles, moving down to #10 in exchange for a 4th round pick in 2024. Then the Bears shocked people again by taking Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright.
Many experts projected him to go later in the 1st round. So taking him 10th overall was seen as a reach by some. However, more than a few people, including former players, feel the pick was excellent. One of them is Corey Wootton. The former Bears defensive end studied up on several players going into the draft. Wright was the one that jumped off the screen at him immediately. When asked about what the Bears are getting on CHGO Bears, Wootton didn’t mince words. He not only thinks the 1st round pick will be great but great immediately.
Darnell Wright would break new ground if he did that.
No offensive tackle the Bears have drafted in the modern era has ever made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. The only offensive lineman to do it was Kyle Long in 2013. Even the great Jimbo Covert didn’t receive the honor until his third season in 1985. One can only imagine the cigars Ryan Poles might end up smoking were that to happen. Wright doesn’t know what the future holds. All he knows is he has plenty of room to improve and is willing to do the work necessary to be great.
Darnell Wright will anchor the Bears’ offensive line for the next ten years if he plays up to his potential. He’s big, powerful, long, nasty, and nimble. The fact he’s described as a “dancing bear” is fitting. They don’t need him to be the best that ever played. They’ll settle for good. Anything beyond that is a bonus. Kudos to Wootton as well. He was willing to shoot his shot on this. He will look like a genius if Wright proves him correct in a few months.
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