As a defensive head coach, one would think that Matt Eberflus would've pushed GM Ryan Poles to focus on improving that side of the ball first via the draft. He had a valid argument. The Chicago Bears ranked at the bottom of the league in most categories last season. However, Eberflus had his eye on the big picture. He knew the fastest way to get this team back to winning games was through quarterback Justin Fields. That means arming him with better weapons and improving his protection. This is why he signed off on drafting Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright 10th overall.
Defensive background or not, Eberflus saw immediately what made the kid such an attractive option for the Bears. He was the best pass protector in the SEC last season, which is saying a lot, given the concentration of talent in that conference. His 6'5 and 330 lbs frame was certainly imposing as well. Yet what stood out the most was his athleticism. People never fully grasped how well Wright could move.
Even after watching tape for weeks, it never compares to the real thing. Eberflus could barely contain his excitement during rookie minicamps while watching Wright. Cameras caught the entire thing for the latest installment of 1920 Football Drive.
Matt Eberflus can already see the potential.
Players like Wright are extremely rare. Typically guys at that weight are known for being more plodding and stiff, relying heavily on their length and power to survive on the edge. Opponents could beat them with speed and quickness. That won't work against Wright. His quick feet and ability to move make it far more difficult simply get under him. Pass rushers tried it for months in college and found little success. Power rushes don't work either because he's too big. When speed and power both don't work, you likely have yourselves a franchise tackle.
Nobody is crowning Wright yet. He hasn't played a down in the NFL. Still, Matt Eberflus sees the big picture. If an athlete that size with those feet can master his technique, the Bears may end up with one of the best tackles in the NFC for the next decade. This would go a long way in helping Fields reach new heights as a quarterback. One can only hope the Bears' recent run of bad luck with drafting 1st round tackles finally ends. Bad memories of Marc Colombo, Chris Williams, and Gabe Carimi still haunt the franchise.
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