The very same Sports Illustrated article that named Joe Thuney as the best offensive lineman in the NFL, also named the Bears' very own Darnell Wright to the same list. Wright came in at number ten, quite a few spots from Thuney, but being listed is a feat nonetheless. Wright is entering his fourth season in the NFL and with the Bears, and his ascent into stardom is far from complete.
Wright was the first draft selection of general manager Ryan Poles, and he's been a good one. Many general managers struggle when it comes to drafting, but Poles has been one to show much skill in that aspect of the job, and Wright is all the proof you could need. Wright is currently up for an extension on his contract, and many pundits and fans are already calling for the Bears front office to pay the man.
Darnell Wright has earned his place among the NFL's elite
It's not every day that national media is listing players to the top ten at their position, not to mention the Bears boasting two of them on their line. It's clear that the Bears have prioritized protecting their investment in Caleb Williams, and that they'll expend the resources to do so.
Finding a franchise tackle or even a franchise offensive lineman is something that many front offices can never achieve. Finding a franchise offensive line that can support the run game aspirations of the head coach, and allow their quarterback to be sacked only 24 times? Now we're cooking.
Thuney won the first ever protector of the year award. It's no surprise to anyone give how decorated that man's trophy room is. But protector of the year is something that Wright could very well be in the conversation about for years to come. With his impressive size, skill, and mental fortitude, Wright could be a force to be reckoned with for multiple seasons in the future, and the Bears would be wise to extend him now.
Darnell Wright has already established himself as one of the NFL's best young offensive linemen, but it still feels like he's only scratching the surface of what he can become. If his first three seasons are any indication, the Bears should make extending him one of their highest priorities.
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