The Chicago Bears’ selection of Darnell Wright as the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft initially raised eyebrows, but his performance has since justified the choice. Entering the 2025 season, Wright established himself as a key figure at right tackle, earning a top-20 Pro Football Focus grade among offensive tackles for two consecutive seasons. His role became even more critical given significant changes along the Bears’ interior offensive line and uncertainties at left tackle.
In his third NFL season, Wright’s talent became undeniable, culminating in a Second Team All-Pro recognition. One of his standout moments came in Week 10 when he decisively blocked New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns, who finished the year ranking second in the league with 16.5 sacks. This particular block drew considerable attention, showcasing Wright’s skill against one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.
Wright’s Dominance Highlights His Growing Reputation
The footage of Wright neutralizing Burns’ signature spin move resonated widely with fans and analysts alike, reinforcing his rising stature. Wright’s ability to perform at such a high level, especially against elite opponents, underlines his impact on the Bears’ offensive front. His rapid development and consistency have made him a centerpiece of Chicago’s line upgrade efforts.
During the Bears’ end-of-season press conference, general manager Ryan Poles expressed strong confidence in Wright’s potential. He praised Wright’s explosive starts off the line and growing self-assurance, suggesting that Wright’s work ethic and postseason preparation could elevate him to becoming one of the best in his position league-wide.
I love watching him come off the ball and move people. When he has this confidence and belief in himself that he’s the best on the field, I think he can be one of the best to do it. He just has to show up, and continue to put that work in and get there.
I love his work in the offseason, in the weight room. I think it started there for him, and then built up.
Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears General Manager
Brian Baldinger Recognizes Wright’s Climb Toward Elite Right Tackle Status
Football analyst and former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger recently appeared on 104.3 The Score’s show Mully and Haugh, where he praised Wright’s talents and resilience. Baldinger acknowledged that Wright had battled injuries for multiple seasons yet still delivered strong performances, which speaks to his toughness and skill level as he carved out a role at right tackle for the Bears.
Coming out of Tennessee I really liked him
, Baldinger remarked, continuing,
Now, he’s been playing with these injuries, seemingly every year. I think it’s been three years now. But he played through it this year, he played really well. I thought he had a really good season. I think he’s got a home at right tackle. And, can he get into the upper echelon of right tackles? He’s got the size and the ability to do it. I’d like to see him get through a season healthy, you know, where he doesn’t have these nagging injuries. I know he had a shoulder one year, now the elbow.
Baldinger’s observations highlighted the challenge Wright faces in remaining healthy enough to maximize his potential, noting the physical toll injuries and ongoing treatment can have on offensive linemen.
It just wears you out after a while, just the treatment and how you can practice, some of the limitations in practice. You’d like to just see him healthy, where he can work on certain things, week in, week out, getting ready for an opponent, and not have to worry about protecting a particular body part to get through the week with it.
Brian Baldinger, Former NFL Offensive Lineman and Analyst
Playing Through Pain: Wright’s Remarkable 2025 Season
Wright demonstrated remarkable toughness by playing much of the 2025 season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, a serious injury often requiring surgery for athletes such as baseball pitchers. Despite this, Wright missed only one game, wearing a brace upon his return. This toughness amplified the weight of his performance, reinforcing how much further he could ascend as a fully healthy right tackle.
Brad Biggs, the fill-in co-host who led the conversation, emphasized the significance of Wright’s injury. Comparing Wright’s UCL tear to an injury that typically forces pitchers into Tommy John surgery, Biggs underscored how exceptional it was for Wright to continue competing at a high level.
Wright’s Potential Impact on the Bears’ Future
With his size, skill, and determination, Darnell Wright has taken measurable steps toward becoming one of the NFL’s elite right tackles. His resilience in overcoming injuries and consistently rising to the occasion highlights his value to the Bears’ offensive scheme. Looking ahead, if Wright can remain healthy for an entire season, his impact could dramatically enhance Chicago’s offensive line stability, challenging some of the league’s top edge rushers more effectively than ever.
For the Bears, Wright represents both a bedrock for the present and a beacon of hope for the future, solidifying their offensive line around one of its most promising young stars while giving fans and analysts alike reasons to anticipate upward momentum in the team’s competitive prospects.
Bears RT Darnell Wright is going viral once again for his massive block on NFL sack leader Brian Burns. 👀
Love to see Darnell getting the recognition he deserves. Pro Bowl & All-Pro 🔜
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/qpe2FJVx4t
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) November 10, 2025
.@BaldyNFL shares high praise for Bears right tackle Darnell Wright. He believes Wright will be even more dominant if he can stay healthy all season rather than playing through ailments.
Listen to full interview: https://t.co/1eZtZqvruS pic.twitter.com/BIxSYEaZn1
— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) February 12, 2026
