Darnell Wright Made Bears Look Really Smart In Preseason Debut

The Chicago Bears made a somewhat controversial decision in the 1st round of the 2023 draft. Not only did they bypass highly-touted Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, but they also didn't take who many considered the best offensive lineman available with the 10th overall pick. Experts had their eyes on either Northwestern left tackle Peter Skoronski or Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones. GM Ryan Poles disagreed. He always had eyes for Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright. He felt the giant kid was the kind of big, physical athlete the offensive line needed to take a step forward.

In the preseason open, those doubters got their first taste of crow. Wright was involved in two of the biggest plays of the 1st quarter, both on the same drive. On the first play, he showcased his mobility, exploding out of his stance to the right and setting the edge on two Titans defenders, allowing Khalil Herbert to run for 11 yards.

Three plays later, Wright struck again. This time the Bears had a screen called to Herbert. Tennessee brought a blitz up the middle. It could've been a disaster had the right tackle not halted the Titans defensive end coming from his side, buying Fields just enough time to squirt out to his left, finding Herbert, who took it 56 yards to the house.

Zooming in, you can see what the Bears were talking about. It looks like the defender has the edge, but Wright recovers quickly, using his length and anchor to stall his momentum completely. He also did a good job of not wrapping his arms around him, which would've instantly been called a hold.

Darnell Wright has work to do.

There will be pass rushers in this league that would've beaten that block attempt. Footwork and technique must remain a priority. Still, to see him look so capable right out of the gate is a welcome sign. Young offensive linemen usually take time before playing up to their potential. The Bears know this. That they're willing to trust him as a starter anyway speaks volumes. Nobody can deny the kid is capable. Preseason or not, he looked like he belonged on that field.

It also bodes well for Poles. This is his first major addition to the Bears offensive line via the draft. Braxton Jones was a happy accident. Darnell Wright is expected to be a cornerstone for the next ten years. He's only 21 years old. It is staggering how high his ceiling is. The entire offense will benefit if he can carry these positive moments over in the regular season. His next test will be in Indianapolis against a strong Colts defensive front next week. It should be an educational road trip.