​The Chicago Bears boasted one of the most formidable offensive lines in the NFL last season, with right tackle Darnell Wright playing a pivotal role in the unit’s success. Head coach Ben Johnson pointed out that the offense operates with a preference toward the right side, describing it as “more right handed than left handed and that’s with him in mind.” Wright, the 10th overall pick by Chicago in 2023, capped off a standout season by earning second-team All-Pro honors. He contributed to an offensive line that cleared the way for the league’s third-best rushing attack and helped the Bears minimize sacks, thanks in part to his steady play on the edge.
As Wright has established himself as one of the premier right tackles in the league, it comes as little surprise that he earned a top spot on ESPN’s ranking of the NFL’s best offensive tackles, a list determined by NFL coaches and executives. Wright checked in at No. 6, and he stands out as the highest-ranked pure right tackle on the list. The ranking underscores the growing respect he has earned around the league.
In ESPN’s coverage, Wright reflected the sentiments of many evaluators who see his strength and potential on the field. An NFL personnel director highlighted his physical traits, saying, “Power and brute strength. He can do whatever he wants on a football field.” Yet not all feedback was uniformly glowing; a veteran NFL defensive coach offered a candid note on Wright’s development, remarking, “I don’t see a consistently high motor. That’s the next step for him is getting that up.” Such commentary illustrates the ongoing assessment of Wright’s ceiling as he continues to mature into an elite blocker.
The list of tackles that ranked ahead of Loveland—1 through 5—read like a who’s who of the league’s elite pass protectors: Detroit’s Penei Sewell, San Francisco’s Trent Williams, Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs, Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata, and Washington’s Laremy Tunsil. Wright’s highest placement reached No. 2, a clear sign that he’s earning respect among NFL insiders and the broader football community as a top-tier offensive lineman at his position.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Wright stands at a crossroads that could lead to a significant financial payoff. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has an eye on extending Chicago’s first-ever first-round pick, and the timing of such a deal could become a focal point for the franchise. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin noted that negotiations could potentially advance before the start of training camp later in the month, though Chicago’s preference appears to be securing a long-term deal for their franchise right tackle ahead of the season. Wright’s performance and continued development will likely influence the team’s approach to that contract, with the goal of preserving the stability and effectiveness of the offensive line for years to come.
In broader coverage, Bears fans and NFL observers alike have watched Wright’s trajectory with keen interest. He has established himself as a cornerstone piece for Chicago’s offensive front, and his presence at right tackle has contributed to a more balanced and potent attack overall. As the Bears prepare for the upcoming season, Wright’s continued progression will be a key determinant of how successfully Chicago can sustain its run game and protect the quarterback, further shaping the franchise’s prospects in a league that rewards elite offensive line play.
This piece originated on Bears Wire and highlights Darnell Wright’s standing among the NFL’s top tackles, reflecting the respect he’s earned from coaches, evaluators, and analysts alike as he moves toward a potential contract extension and a defining stretch of his career.