The Chicago Bears had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season, and right tackle Darnell Wright played a key role in the unit’s success. Especially as head coach Ben Johnson noted the offense is “more right handed than left handed and that’s with him in mind.”
Wright, selected 10th overall by the Bears in 2023, is coming off the best year of his young career earning second-team All-Pro honors while being part of an offensive line that paved the way for the league’s third-best rushing attack and allowed the second-fewest sacks in the regular season.
As Wright has solidified himself as one of the best right tackles in the league, it’s no surprise to see him ranked among ESPN’s list of top offensive tackles, as voted upon by NFL coaches and executives. Wright landed at No. 6 on the list, and he’s the highest pure right tackle among the rankings.
Here’s what NFL coaches and executives had to say about Wright:
“Power and brute strength,” an NFL personnel director said. “He can do whatever he wants on a football field.”
“I don’t see a consistently high motor,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “That’s the next step for him is getting that up.”
Here are the six tackles who ranked before Loveland, from 1-5: Detroit’s Penei Sewell, San Francisco’s Trent Williams, Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirths, Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata and Washington’s Laremy Tunsil. The highest ranking Wright received was No. 2, an indication that he’s garnering respect around the NFL.
Wright is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he’s poised to earn a lucrative payday as general manager Ryan Poles looks to extend his first-ever first-round pick. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin noted a deal could get done before training camp kicks off later this month, but it feels like Chicago wants to lock down their franchise right tackle before the season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears’ Darnell Wright dubbed among best tackles in NFL
