The Chicago Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 10th overall.
Chicago initially held the No. 9 pick but moved back a spot in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Providing protection for young signal-caller Justin Fields was a priority for the Bears entering the offseason. Chicago allowed 58 sacks in 2022, fourth most in the league.
Wright played right tackle in his final year at Tennessee but also has experience playing left tackle.
Pre-draft profile
Wright stonewalling Will Anderson Jr. for the entirety of Tennessee's game against Alabama last season was one of the most impressive individual performances we saw from this draft class. Wright is patient at getting into his pass sets, rarely allowing himself to get out of position, and the rep is over when he gets his hands on his opponent. He's also a road grader in the running game, showing the ability to both overpower defensive linemen and climb to the second level with good angles to cut off linebackers. His lateral movement could be better, and he has a tendency to bend at the waist and lean out over his lower half in the run game, but these are minor gripes about an otherwise outstanding skill set.
