Bears’ Darnell Wright will elevate his game to elite status in 2024

Chicago Bears starting right tackle Darnell Wright was outstanding as a rookie all things considered. Asking a rookie linemen to start all 17 games is a tall ask, but that’s exactly what Wright did. The No. 10 overall selection was arguably the most consistent performer on the offensive line.

Pro Football Focus did credit Wright with surrendering 6.0 sacks and 51 total quarterback pressures, but those are expected growing pains when asking a rookie linemen to be an immediate starter. Another area of growth for Wright this season will be in the penalty department as he was whistled for 11 infractions last season, the sixth-most of any tackle in the league, per PFF’s charting. Having a productive season under his belt should help the former Tennessee Volunteer display sophomore growth in 2024.

PFF ranked Wright as the third-best pass protector among all rookie tackles that played notable snaps, trailing just Dawand Jones and Paris Johnson Jr. Wright was far and away the best run blocker, scoring a 66.0, nearly five points better than the second-place rookie blocker (Broderick Jones, 61.2).

Darnell Wright film breakdown – best rookie 1st round OL https://t.co/GKRI43HvFw pic.twitter.com/520KgfoNWF

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) May 12, 2024

The Bears will hopefully have more stability at center and right guard this season, two positions that directly impact Wright’s consistency. Nate Guard is expected to be better at right guard, and some combination of Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates should upgrade the center spot. Wright would benefit greatly from those upgrades.

Not to mention the quarterback situation. Face-of-the-franchise talent Caleb Williams should be significantly better at escaping and handling pressure than Justin Fields was. New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is also installing a pass-happier offense with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze at receiver. Having wideouts that can quickly uncover, paired with a decisive QB, will place less pressure on Wright’s shoulders.

Wright performed admirably throughout the 2023 campaign all things considered. The Huntington, West Virginia native now finds himself in a more desirable situation as a sophomore. Wright possesses the tools and pathway to establish himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle this season.