Chicago Bears prove 2023 is about Justin Fields, trading back, selecting Darnell Wright

During the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, all eyes were on the Chicago Bears after the Atlanta Falcons took Texas running back Bijan Robinson at no. 8 overall.

The Bears were in prime position to select Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who saw himself fall just as many analysts predicted.

However, general manager Ryan Poles had other plans in mind. Poles worked the phones and made a trade happen with the Philadelphia Eagles, moving back just one spot to no. 10 and getting a 2024 fourth-round pick in return.

The Eagles did, indeed, select Carter.

Then, the Bears went with the best player on their board, Darnell Wright, an offensive tackle out of Tennessee.

In Wright, the Bears are showing quarterback Justin Fields that they truly believe in him and want him protected.

The Chicago Bears prove they are serious about developing Justin Fields by selecting Darnell Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft

Last year, many fans were questioning Poles throughout draft weekend. Why did he pass on offensive line until later on? Why didn’t he draft a wide receiver earlier?

This year, the questions will undoubtedly turn into ones like, “Why didn’t Poles draft Jalen Carter?”

But, Bears fans are never satisfied, it seems.

The fact of the matter is, the Bears went out and selected a 6-foot-5, 333-pound behemoth to become their starting right tackle and protect Fields.

Wright is a monster on the outside. He’s as solid as they come, rarely being moved off his anchor. He poses a bulldozing blocking style in the run game, and has adequate lateral feet movement when sliding outside.

He was one of the quicker offensive tackles, overall, running a 5.01 in his 40-yard dash. His above-average speed and body control will allow him to move well when protecting such a dynamic, mobile quarterback like Fields.

Wright had been a draft riser over the last couple of months and moved into the second-best pure offensive tackle in the draft according to many draft experts and outlets.

With Wright in the fold, the Bears can feel much more confident in their starting offensive line. From here on out, let’s see what Poles does on the opposite side of the trenches, shall we?