Where does Bears’ Darnell Wright rank among NFC North RTs based on PFF grades?

Chicago Bears sophomore right tackle Darnell Wright was outstanding as a rookie blocker throughout the 2023 campaign. Wright immediately played a long-term solution at the position. His presence will be imperative to Chicago’s efforts to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams this season.

Wright isn’t the only impressive right tackle in the NFC North. The division is actually stacked with elite right tackles. That inspired us to assess how all four starting right tackles in the NFC North fared last season according to their overall Pro Football Focus grades.

Penei Sewell | Detroit Lions | 90.7

Penei Sewell has established himself as one of the best offensive tackles in the entire league. Sewell was actually PFF’s highest-graded tackle at 90.7, powered by an elite run blocking grade of 93.1. In pass protection, the former Oregon standout was credited with allowing just one sack. He’s the standard when it comes to right tackles around the NFL.

Zach Tom | Green Bay Packers | 77.8

The most surprising element of this list is that Zach Tom finished second in the NFC North with a stellar grade of 77.8. The Packers lucked into Tom, a 2022 fourth-rounder that entered the draft with five-position versatility. The Packers have some moving pieces across the offensive line this offseason, but the former Wake Forest performer will likely be the starting right tackle again in 2024.

Brian O’Neill | Minnesota Vikings | 74.5

The always reliable Brian O’Neill was his usual steady self for the Minnesota Vikings last season. O’Neill had a pass-pro grade of 73.4, and a run-blocking grade of 71.7, combining for an overall score of 74.5. This year, he’ll block for Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, and Aaron Jones at running back.

Darnell Wright | Chicago Bears | 62.4

Wright ranked dead-last among starting right tackles in the NFC North, and didn’t even come within 10 points of the third-place finisher. It’s more a reflection of the outstanding tackles in the division than it is of Wright’s rookie performance. The top-10 overall pick does need to clean up his technique in pass protection, as he was whistled for 11 penalties, and credited with allowing 7.0 sacks and 51 pressures.