With all the focus being on Caleb Williams this summer, it’s easy to forget Darnell Wright is in the second year of his push to become a franchise tackle for the Chicago Bears. The former 10th overall pick had a promising rookie season in 2023, emerging as a strong run blocker. However, if he were going to reach the next level, he’d have to keep improving as a pass protector. His progress through the preseason is noteworthy. He’s yet to allow a single pressure on the quarterback in 26 pass-blocking snaps. While a small sample size, it is a good sign that he took a considerable step forward in his development.
Of course, part of that is his own hard work. Another is solid teaching from offensive line coach Chris Morgan. However, it appears Wright has an additional tutor he’s been going to for extra help. Greg Braggs of CHGO caught sight of them together after the team’s latest camp practice.
Darnell Wright seeking help from Montez Sweat is so smart.
The Pro Bowl defensive end has established himself as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers after his 12.5 sacks last season. Wright knows he will face guys like that every Sunday. If he wants to have a long career, he must learn how to block them consistently. That not only requires strength and athleticism but discipline with his hands. So many sacks are created by rushers who set blockers up with their hand-fighting techniques. Learning to combat them is always the hardest part for any offensive tackle. Those were lessons Darnell Wright sometimes learned the hard way as a rookie. It is encouraging that he recognizes the opportunity to learn every little trick Sweat knows. Those lessons will go a long way in helping protect Caleb Williams this season and beyond.
I remember asking Brenda, our First Chair Oboe player for help. She just turned, looked at me and said, “Blow it out your ass, George”. Then she pressed a nostril closed with her index finger and honked snot all over the front of my Panama Jack T shirt.
So cool to hear that Darnell Wright is committed to perfecting his craft by picking the talented brain of All Pro Montez Sweat on how to counter hand-fights with DEs struggling for leverage on the line. We should see a huge improvement this season from RT Wright. And what a teammate Tez is to share his Edge techniques with an OL guy. I remember how the ‘85 Bear defense didn’t want anything to do with the offensive guys. This is a dedicated, younger team. The Bears are on the rise. Hopefully make the playoffs this year. And 2025, the Super… Read more »
Our 1st game is 20 days away. Detroit, Philly, and TB are the teams to beat in the NFC, IMHO. Personally, I think SF is going to take a step back. I think teams are going to have a very hard time running against us with Billings and Gervon in the middle. Our LBs are vets, and our secondary is going to pick teams apart. I think Caleb will have some INTs, but I think he will protect the football. It really looks like Odunze could average 17 yds/catch, and Swift should go to the Pro Bowl. I think Pittsburgh… Read more »