The Chicago Bears haven't had a great offense for over a decade. While most have chalked that up to their ongoing problems at quarterback, the explanation is much simpler. This team hasn't been able to field a good offensive line for most of that time. It seems like they rotate through a myriad of different names every year, trying to find a combination that works. Injuries have played a part in that, but so has a lack of talent. Hopes were high that Darnell Wright would change that. He became the first lineman drafted in the 1st round by the Bears in ten years.
His rookie year was fine. There were inconsistencies as expected, but he held his own against some really good NFL pass rushers. Last season was a marked improvement. His technique looked more polished, and he was in good shape. However, he never quite made the leap to true franchise guy. That will change this season. Linemen usually take around three years before they develop into great blockers. Wright is approaching that mark. Yet that isn't the main reason to believe he's about to ascend.
It is the presence of Dan Roushar.
Roushar is perfect for Darnell Wright.
He is a renowned offensive line coach in both college and NFL circles. What nobody talks about is that he seems to have a special touch with right tackles. It started with Ryan Diem at Northern Illinois. He became a 4th round pick of the Indianapolis Colts and was the starting right tackle on their 2006 Super Bowl team. Next came Jack Conklin. Roushar recruited the future All-Pro to Michigan State, where he eventually developed into a 1st round pick. Last but not least, the coach was a big proponent of selecting Ryan Ramczyk in 2017 with the New Orleans Saints. He, of course, became an All-Pro as well.
Darnell Wright should be thrilled with this development. Talent was always something he had in abundance. The one thing missing was a coach who knew how to get the most out of him. That is Roushar. If you thought the Bears' former 1st rounder was effective before, just wait for what's coming.
