The Chicago Bears have made plenty of changes to their organization heading into the 2025 season. But one constant that remains is Darnell Wright holding down the fort at right tackle.
While offensive line was Chicago’s biggest weakness in 2024, no one was doubting Wright’s skill. He was one of the few bright spots on a unit that allowed a league-high 68 sacks. As Ben Johnson steps into his new role as head coach, Wright will be one of his biggest building blocks on offense.
The right tackle has been carefully watching the Bears build the offensive line around him. Wright’s response to the additions was short and sweet, showing his confidence in Johnson and Chicago’s gameplan, via Mike Pendleton of USA Today.
“The guys he’s bringing in are the standard of what we need,” Wright told reporters.
Darnell Wright shores up Chicago Bears offensive line
The Bears originally selected Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting all 17 games. He missed just one game in 2024, giving him 33 starts since joining the franchise.
During the 2024 campaign, Wright earned a 79.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 16/141 tackles. His pass blocking was solid, ranking 35/141, however it was his work in the run game that shined, earning him a 82.2 grade, ranking seventh/141.
While Johnson was known for his flash during his time with the Detroit Lions, it all started with their offensive line. If the head coach was going to find any success with quarterback Caleb Williams, keeping him upright in the pocket would be key. Wright won’t get as much buzz as Williams, but his play will be crucial in ensuring the Bears take a step forward.
He may not have had the most name brand value at the draft, but Wright has been a home run pick for the Bears. General manager Ryan Poles will be looking for more players in his mold during the 2025 draft.
Bears build next to Wright
Across from Wright is left tackle Braxton Jones, the only remaining question mark on the offensive line. A free agent at the end of the year, he’ll need to prove himself to maintain his starting role long-term. Next to him however are three players who have certainly impressed Wright already.
The Bears started by acquiring guard Jonah Jackson in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. While he is coming off of a down year, the guard has experience playing under Johnson on the Lions. He even made the Pro Bowl in 2021, Johnson was banging the table to acquire Jackson when he got to Chicago.
Next came fellow guard Joe Thuney in another trade. He almost doesn’t even need an introduction, as he is coming to the Bears with four Super Bowl titles to his name. Furthermore, he just finished his second-straight All-Pro season. A seasoned veteran playing at the top of his game, Thuney will be crucial to Chicago’s success in 2024 and beyond.
The Bears then made a major free agency splash, signing center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract. An ankle injury held him to just nine games in 2024. However, the center made the most of it, ranking fourth/64 centers with a 78.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Only 26-years-old, he will be the centerpiece of Chicago’s offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Wright and company will need to put all the pieces together, but the team’s offensive line has gone from arguably their biggest weakness to a real strength; assuming Chicago’s strategy works.
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