The Bears moved back one spot and got their guy. Chicago has used the 10th overall pick on Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the Bears intended to select Wright at No. 9 before the Eagles came in with a trade offer.
Chicago picked up a 2024 fourth-rounder in the swap and will check a key box on offense. The Bears pursued Mike McGlinchey but bowed out of those sweepstakes, letting the five-year 49ers right tackle starter sign a monster deal with the Broncos. Now, the Bears moved down a spot and landed a likely early-season starter at the position.
In Wright, the Bears added a 40-game college starter who has experience at both left and right tackle. Wright spent more time on the right side with the Volunteers, starting 27 games at that position. The experienced blocker enjoyed a showcase performance against eventual No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. last season, and the Bears chose him over Georgia’s Broderick Jones, who entered the draft with similar grades as a prospect.
Coming into the draft with needs along both lines, the Bears opted to address their offensive front first. The team had Jalen Carter available at No. 9, and although pre-draft reports indicated Chicago was comfortable with the Georgia defensive lineman, it does not seem like Ryan Poles‘ team was willing to make a big bet — seeing as it took just a 2024 fourth to send Carter to Philadelphia. The Bears are set to enter Round 2 with some additional needs on their defensive front, but the team is in much better shape regarding the protection of Justin Fields.
The Bears have now added Wright and four-year Titans guard starter Nate Davis up front. Chicago replaced Larry Borom at right tackle last season, plugging in veteran Riley Reiff. The nomadic blocker signed with the Patriots this offseason. If Wright becomes a Day 1 starter, he looks set to join late-round find Braxton Jones as Chicago’s first-string tackles. With 2021 second-rounder Teven Jenkins having shown promise at guard and Cody Whitehair having center experience, the Bears — after Fields took a league-high 55 sacks last season — are positioned to be an improved front in 2023.
Levis still on board
Now, the Bears moved down a spot and landed a likely early-season starter at the position.
Serious dude?! He’s going to be a day 1 starter. Who’s going to beat him out?! Borom?!
Smart move by Ryan Poles.
Yeah, got an extra pick next year for nothing.
Philly could risk the Carter pick. Poles can’t. This guy might be the most complete tackle in the draft.
I’m curious if other teams called the Bears for that pick? I think it was a solid move for the Bears. Hoping they can package one of their 2nd’s and a 4th to move up in the 2nd.
Or the late first
If Nolan Smith or Myles Murphy get late, I totally agree. They would prolly have to jump Philly
Philly got Carter and Smith. Unbelievable. Bears needed a solid OT, hopefully they picked a good one. I trust Poles making that pick.
Good pick