The newest member of the Chicago Bears is finally here. The Bears made another trade down in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, moving from No. 9 to No. 10 to select Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright.
Wright was a stout protector for the Volunteers, anchoring the right side of the offensive line last season. Now he’s tasked with keeping Bears quarterback upright for the foreseeable future.
The Bears took Wright at No. 10 overall, moving back one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles while also gaining a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Eagles wanted to move up for Jalen Carter, who was there for the taking, and the Bears didn’t feel comfortable making the selection. Instead, they focused in on the offensive side of the ball.
Pre-order Darnell Wright Bears jerseyRight tackle was a glaring hole for the Bears last season and this is the first major move of general manager Ryan Poles’ tenure to upgrade the position group. Most Bears fans (and players) are ecstatic for the pick, but some wonder if they missed out on a generational talent like Carter. Here is how Twitter reacted to the selection.
Now that is a solid pick in Darnell Wright…….our offensive line now looks so much better
LT – Braxton Jones
LG – T Jenkins
C – Patrick
RG – N Davis
RT – D WrightI am happy with this…… & I think we take a C tomorrow!
— Cork City Bears Fan (@BearsCork) April 28, 2023
Bears got a tackle! pic.twitter.com/QfQQBMHUhC
— illwill (@79illwill) April 28, 2023
I think the Bears told you all you need to know about what they think of Jalen Carter.
Darnell Wright is a Day 1 starter, enormous upgrade in pass protection, and will be just 22 in his rookie season.
They got better, and they got a 4th rounder in '24 basically for free.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) April 28, 2023
Winners: the Chicago Bears who got OT1 at number 10
Losers: OL scheme fit guys
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) April 28, 2023
My months of tweeting Darnell Wright propaganda has paid off
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) April 28, 2023
I like the Darnell Wright pick. Will Anderson said that was the best lineman he faced. Get a starter. Now onto getting a DT, DE, CB, or center tomorrow#DaBears #Bears
— Todd Welter (@toddjdub) April 28, 2023
ESPN's Louis Riddick on new Bears tackle Darnell Wright: "Has the ability to be the best player in this draft."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) April 28, 2023
I'm so deliriously happy!!!!!! #DaBears📷 fans watch this! https://t.co/BG8pKGPhqa
With #DaBears 1st pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ryan Poles got Darnell Wright, DJ Moore, a 1st from Panthers next year, 2nd the year after, pick 61 this year & a 4th round pick from the Eagles!
— Bearlissimo (@Bearlissimo1) April 28, 2023
Really feels like getting cute with Carter will come back to haunt Poles, but Wright is a solid pick at the biggest hole on the roster. Not only do you get a day one RT, but you also don’t have to consider moving Braxton Jones
— Luke O’Grady (@LukeOGrady) April 28, 2023
— Michael Gus (@MichaelGus57) April 28, 2023
In the trenches relaxed
— Khalil Herbert (@JuiceHerbert) April 28, 2023
Calling it now, he’ll be on the all Rookie Team. Welcome to Chicago! pic.twitter.com/Ttqi0xzb47
— Lucas Perfetti (@LucasPerfetti46) April 28, 2023
The Darnell Wright selection not exactly lighting this room on fire … 😔 #NFLDraft #DraftDayLive pic.twitter.com/g581YSL2zw
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 28, 2023
Can’t go wrong with a Darnell ! 🤟🏽
— Darnell Mooney (@Darnell_M1) April 28, 2023
Darnell Wright is a damn good pick for the #Bears at No. 10.
If you're not taking Jalen Carter, moving back a spot for extra draft capital and taking your top OT available makes a lot of sense. Stud player in Wright, premium position, massive need.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2023
I like the pick. I’m glad Poles didn’t think he’s the OLine whisperer after hitting on Braxton Jones. Gives us two young OTs for several years. #BearDown #DaBears
— Gridiron Assassin (@GridAssassin) April 28, 2023
Very happy with this pick 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/jgSwoV9tuN
— scottie (@creamstorm69) April 28, 2023
Welcome to Chicago, Darnell!!
🐻⬇️💙🧡
— Allyson (@ABQBearsGrl89) April 28, 2023
Love the pick by #DaBears ! Welcome to Chicago Darnell!!
— WandaW (@WandaW63) April 28, 2023
Love this pick. Outstanding offensive lineman. Protect your franchise QB.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) April 28, 2023
Atleast we got someone to protect Justin pic.twitter.com/FYUJoOpk4c
— m (@downbadbears) April 28, 2023
Those Darnell Wright highlights just blew my mind.
I am all in.
— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) April 28, 2023
Love it. pic.twitter.com/nz6rmr50XO
— ZAN (@ZANmadden) April 28, 2023
Classic overdraft for need instead of taking true best player available. Sucks.
— TJ Goebig (@GoebigTj) April 28, 2023
Darnell Wright's footwork is *chef's kiss*
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) April 28, 2023
He's a day 1 starter & it helps Justin so it feels a need but DAMN Carter was RIGHT THERE
— VP of Wu Tang Financial (@BarbChairScott) April 28, 2023
Not mad at this pick at all. Really good pick https://t.co/dCVhaMUqR4
— Gregory Bell II (@BobbyBooshay713) April 28, 2023
Congrats @darnell_5232 Welcome to the @ChicagoBears
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) April 28, 2023
Wright is a damn good pic… If Carter wasn’t on the board and you traded him to a team that just went to the SB…
I’m sorry, but I will have to be honest and not defend every move Poles makes
— King Kumar (@KingKumarspod) April 28, 2023
Great pick by Poles
— Trubiscuits N Gravy (@_beardownloyal) April 28, 2023
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