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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jarrett Bailey

Grading the Bears’ selection of OT Darnell Wright

The Chicago Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, moving back one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles and landing a 2024 fourth-round pick.

Chicago had a glaring hole at right tackle heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, and general manager Ryan Poles wasted to time landing quarterback Justin Fields some pass protection help with Wright.

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The Bears were in need of protection specifically on the right side opposite Braxton Jones, who it looks like will be the guy on the left side. Building a wall in front of Fields was clearly at the top of Poles’ to-do list by grabbing Wright. He had great success with the Volunteers, predominantly as a right tackle.

Passing on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba may come back to bite them, but the pick of Wright gives the Bears some beef up front, and the freedom to add to the skill positions in the late-second and early third rounds.

Grade: B+

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