The Chicago Bears roster continues to earn praise from around the league. For the seventh time, ESPN is polling 70 executives, coaches, and scouts for their take on the best players at individual positions in the league. Chicago’s right tackle, Darnell Wright, is 6th on the list of offensive tackles. The article assumes Penei Sewell switches to the left side, which makes Wright the highest-ranked right tackle on the list.
Fowler explains that Wright was fourth in ESPN’s “pass block win rate” at 95.2%, and that he was praised for his “power and brute strength”. One voter claimed, “He can do whatever he wants on a football field.” That is consistent with his best plays, surely, as defenders around the league have learned.
During his time in Chicago, that physicality has been the hallmark of Wright’s playing style, imposing his will and getting the better of Brian Burns, Jalen Carter, and other elite pass-rushers in high-leverage situations. Offensive line play remains subjective, though, and even industry experts struggle to agree on what constitutes good play. Wright was listed as the 2nd-best offensive tackle on at least one list, but he was also left off at least one list entirely. As Fowler notes, he has had a few injuries during his short career, and while he has been able to play through them, not every rep has been perfect.
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With starting left guard Joe Thuney recently named the 5th-best interior offensive linemen in the ESPN rankings, and Colston Loveland checking in at 7th on the tight end list, that gives the Bears three in the top ten of their respective position groups on offense.
Wright is going to be due for a new contract soon, and Ryan Poles would be wise to do everything reasonable to lock up his first-ever first-round draft pick for the long term.
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