3 Bears Who Will Make Their First Pro Bowl in 2024
2. Darnell Wright
It's not surprising, but Ryan Poles had another thriving foremost selection. This time, it is with his first first-round pick with the Chicago Bears. Darnell Wright, the tackle out of the University of Tennessee, proved to be a building block on the offensive line for many years down the line.
Wright managed to play every single game of his rookie season. Considering the shoulder injury he played through, Wright was not 100% healthy. That left many skeptics wondering what can happen when fully healthy. Wright was arguably the best lineman on offense because he was available.
Outside of his availability and health, Wright can perform at a higher echelon and has all the potential to be a Pro Bowler for the Bears. Wright had many challenges that he endured. Darnell went up against elite pass rushers, including Adian Hutchinson, Maxx Crosby, and Myles Garrett. He held his own and has proven to be a reliable lineman. The next step is to stay healthy. Also, he must improve in the pass protection aspect of his game.
But that seems to have some easy fixes. The arm placement and footwork against specific rush attacks can be repaired and adjusted. Looking for the correct, compatible, and consistent linemate on the right side has proven to be no easy task.
One would suggest that could solve numerous issues on the line and help provide a decent partner in crime for Darnell Wright. Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis rotated at right guard several times last year. However, due to injuries that plagued them, Wright didn't have a consistent partner to play with each week. Familiarity and comfort can go a long way when playing together because you know each other's weaknesses and strengths.
According to his Pro Football Focus page, Wright allowed seven sacks and gave up eleven penalties. Compared to a Pro Bowler in Peni Sewell, who gave up only one sack and seven penalties, Wright has made significant progress and is on the right track to becoming an elite option on the offensive line for a long time. Reducing penalties and staying healthy will do wonders for someone with elite potential.